fbpx

Special Olympics New York Named Top Workplace by Albany Times Union

Nonprofit Serving & Employing Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities Ranked in Top Half of Capital Region Small Businesses

Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York, a statewide nonprofit that serves and employs athletes with intellectual disabilities, has earned recognition as a 2022 Top Workplace in the Capital Region by the Albany Times Union. 

Special Olympics New York Awareness Coordinator Jude Killar, who is also an athlete in the Capital Region, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. He said, “Special Olympics gives me an opportunity to be a champion on the softball field, basketball court and in the office. It’s definitely a great place to work.”  

“We are proud to be named as a Top Workplace in recognition of the inclusive workplace culture we have fostered at Special Olympics New York headquarters in Albany and our offices throughout the state,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “This award is particularly meaningful because the judges were our very own staff. Thank you to the Times Union and Energage for showcasing our impact on athletes with intellectual disabilities and their families.” 

Celebrating its 52nd year, Special Olympics New York offers athletic training and competition, health screenings, leadership opportunities, and more to its 31,000 athletes statewide. The organization recently announced a strategic plan in which it aims to double athlete participation over the next three years. 

The Times Union’s “Top Workplace” honor is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection. 

“During this very challenging time, Top Workplaces has proven to be a beacon of light for organizations, as well as a sign of resiliency and strong business performance,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.”

###

About Special Olympics New York 

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org. 

SHARE THIS: