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In memory of Jewel, an inspiration to us all....

Jewel works for the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce. She served as a receptionist at the Chamber's Small Business Development Center for the first 2 1/2 years of employment. She now works directly for the Chamber maintaining numerous mailing lists. Read below or view the video of Jewel's comments on the importance of being able to work again.

Jewel --

"If there's anything I can do to help other people get a job that have disabilities I would do it, because I know what I went through to get one, and what kind of help I needed. It was very difficult to get it and to make people understand what was needed and what I needed for myself to feel like a person again and to give me back my respect.

It's really great and it's helped me get out and feel good about myself again. Showed me I can do more than sit around in a wheelchair. I can be out in the public function again. After not having a job for about 15 years, I finally got it done. Don't give up. I just thank you all very much for giving me the chance to show people I can have a place in the world. I can have an impact on what goes on, I can support myself, help support myself."