Council backs DeMoya Foundation partnership, directs staff to host job‑skills seminar and explore an employer–jobseeker registry

The Town Council voted unanimously to partner with the DeMoya Foundation and to host a job interview and skills seminar at Town Hall for adults with developmental disabilities.

At the request of the Town’s Special Needs Advisory Board, Chair Vivian Levy introduced George DeMoya of the DeMoya Foundation, which provides long‑term job coaching and employer training to help adults with developmental disabilities obtain and keep paid work. After a short video showing employee testimonials, Vice Mayor Brian Moreira moved that the town partner with the foundation to host a job skills event and training; the council approved the motion.

Council members also directed staff to explore a web‑based platform — a registry or directory on the town website — where employers could post openings judged suitable for candidates with unique abilities and where residents could post resumes or short bios. The motion asked staff to return with implementation options.

Why it matters: The DeMoya Foundation told the council it has placed dozens of people with employers across Miami‑Dade County, delivering both job‑coaching and disability‑sensitivity training to coworkers. Council members framed the effort as a way for the town to expand employment pathways for residents with special needs and to model an inclusive approach for other municipalities.

Key details - Vivian Levy, chair of the Special Needs Advisory Board, and George DeMoya presented the program and advocated for municipal support. - Vice Mayor Brian Moreira moved to host a special needs job interview and skills seminar at Town Hall; motion passed unanimously. - Council also asked staff to prepare a plan for an online registry/portal that would let employers post jobs suitable for candidates with developmental disabilities and allow candidates to upload resumes/bios. Staff was directed to report back with platform proposals and implementation costs.

Quote - "By collaborating with the foundation, the town can demonstrate leadership in fostering an inclusive community and contribute to the economic independence of individuals with unique abilities," Special Needs Advisory Board Chair Vivian Levy said during her remarks.

Next steps: Staff will work with the Special Needs Advisory Board and the DeMoya Foundation to schedule the Town Hall seminar and prepare platform options for council review.