FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jewelyn Cosgrove, [email protected]
Grapevine, Texas — Derek Point, a valued Melwood Enterprises employee and AbilityOne program participant, was honored with the distinguished William M. Usdane Award during SourceAmerica’s Achievement Awards Ceremony in Grapevine, Texas. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify how disability employment drives innovation, strengthens the economy, and enhances the nation’s workforce readiness.
As a 23-year member of the Melwood Enterprises team, Derek, who is deaf, has devoted his career to ensuring the safety, maintenance, and upkeep of the USDA’s George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland. He has continuously expanded his skillset by seeking out new training opportunities and mastering a suite of technical disciplines.
As a general maintenance worker, Derek is instrumental in supporting advanced maintenance operations and critical facility needs. Alongside a team of highly skilled Melwood Enterprises employees, Derek helps maintain a federal complex that spans 45 acres and over 350,000 square feet of space. Most recently, he earned his forklift certification and now helps manage large-scale deliveries in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Derek has an unstoppable willingness to take on increasingly complex work that advances his career and strengthens his team. His spirit of never settling is proof of what is possible when talent is recognized and opportunity is accessible,” said Larysa Kautz, president and CEO of Melwood. “We are so proud of Derek and honored that he brings determination, curiosity, and pride to his work every day.”
Melwood Enterprises, which relies on an integrated workforce that includes people with significant disabilities, prioritizes training and career advancement for its employees. By establishing high-quality training programs, while collaborating with both unions and industry organizations, Melwood Enterprises creates pathways to growth for employees through registered apprenticeships, certification trainings, leadership opportunities, and more.
“At Melwood Enterprises, we pride ourselves on delivering world-class service to our customers while fostering employee excellence and growth,” said Brice Alexander, Executive Director of Melwood Enterprises. “Derek exemplifies the professionalism, dedication, and commitment to service that defines our organization. He is deeply respected by his colleagues, valued by our customers, and incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
About Melwood Enterprises
Melwood Enterprises delivers top-tier business solutions to public and private sector clients across more than 70 locations in the D.C. region and across the mid-Atlantic, while expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Boasting a team of seasoned performers, industry-respected certifications, unparalleled retention rates, and excellence in long-standing contracts, Melwood Enterprises delivers satisfaction, stability, and exceptional return on investment. For more information about Melwood Enterprises, a part of the Melwood family of companies, visit www.MelwoodEnterprises.org.
About SourceAmerica
SourceAmerica is a national nonprofit that helps administer the AbilityOne Program – a program that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities through federal product and service contracts. We are a bridge between our network contractors and federal customers, providing the resources and support they need to successfully navigate the AbilityOne Program. To learn more, visit SourceAmerica.org and follow @SourceAmerica on Facebook, X.com (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
