Last week marked the 80th Anniversary of Social Security and the celebration for health and continued success rings nationwide. On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, Los Angeles City College and United States Congressman Xavier Becerra hosted honored guests including Congressional Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff and Judy Chu to celebrate this historic occasion. Several current and former Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients living in Los Angeles shared moving personal stories during a closed-door roundtable discussion with the honorable members of Congress. Also in attendance at the discussion were Jan Perry, General Manager of the Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) and Phil Starr, Executive Director of Managed Career Solutions (MCS).
MCS is also excited to announce that on August 1, 2015 the Social Security Administration (Social Security) awarded the company a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) cooperative agreement following a national competition by the Social Security Administration (Social Security). The WIPA program provides work incentives, planning and assistance services to Social Security beneficiaries who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and want to pursue or retain gainful employment or self-employment. “Our new cooperative agreement will allow us to expand our services to adults, youth-in-transition and veterans, and open a WIPA Office in Los Angeles to serve beneficiaries residing in over 175 Los Angeles County zip codes,” said Esteban Magallanes, President of MCS. “We are thrilled to be a part of this momentous effort.”
A press conference followed Wednesday’s round-table discussion, that highlighted the origin of Social Security and the work carried out by the current Congress to both preserve and amend a system that has contributed to millions of Americans. The press conference featured a virtual-address by James Roosevelt III, grandson of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
To signify the importance of Social Security, one-time SSDI recipient and current MCS Disability Services Coordinator Les Roberson, shared his personal story with press conference attendees. In June 2003, Roberson learned he had congestive heart failure and lost his full-time employment and medical benefits shortly after his diagnosis. Frequent trips to the hospital resulted in mounting medical bills approaching one million dollars and made single-handedly raising his daughter, Ryan a significant challenge. Ultimately, Roberson’s diagnosis provided him with the SSDI benefits he needed, which he began receiving within one year.
The beneficiary support of SSDI made each new day possible for Roberson, who is now back to full-time employment, and Ryan will be attending her first year in college this upcoming Fall. Roberson has been invited to travel to Washington, DC to share his story with other members of Congress and underscore how SSDI saved his life.
Phil Starr, MCS Executive Director and Democratic Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi
Les Roberson and his daughter Ryan Roberson. Les Roberson is MCS Disability Service Coordinator. Surrounding Les and Ryan, Right to Left: Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman Xavier Becerra and Congressman Adam Schiff.