Schmitz named new director of the Abilities Center

Dec 11, 2007 @ 10:13 AM

RRSTAR.COM STAFF REPORTS

ROCKFORD -

The Abilities Center today named Samuel Schmitz its new executive director.

Schmitz served as executive director of the Employee Coalition on Health in Rockford for nearly 10 years. He also served as city administrator for Rockford. He starts his new job Jan. 7.

The Abilities Center, 1907 Kishwaukee St., Rockford, is a nonprofit organization that provides education, employment and business-development opportunities to more than 1,000 clients a year.

The center employs about 200 people at several locations, including the Goodwill stores it runs.

At the Kishwaukee Street facility, employees do a range of jobs, including inspecting and packaging fasteners, cleaning industrial containers and processing data for state offices.

There are educational programs that train clients in manufacturing jobs, computer technology, audio and video production, and other skills.