INSIDE THE Manchester Coffee County Conference Center (MCCCC), there is a warm atmosphere full of genuine smiles and friendly conversations. Each room offers comfortable seating, creating a welcoming environment that accommodates everyone. It invites visitors to engage in encouraging connections and inquire about resources that make them feel at home.
In one of these rooms, Rebecca French and her dedicated team have created an inclusive program that provides education, connections, and resources for individuals with disabilities, newcomers, and those seeking employment.
French has worked tirelessly with a strategic approach to make the Manchester community more hospitable and inclusive. The program she initiated provides a safe and supportive space for people to gain valuable skills and cultivate connections, regardless of background or abilities.
French’s journey toward creating an inclusive space both inside and outside the MCCCC is deeply rooted in her personal experiences.
She reflected, “As I age and experience life’s lessons, I have learned empathy. I understand the human element behind everyday struggles, and I remember struggling as a preteen, young adult, and as a young woman finding her way between a corporate career and being a mother/wife.”
Leading up to her role at MCCCC, French’s experiences extended to leadership roles in retail and pharmacy management, all inspired by her genuine desire to empower others. Outside of her professional career, she actively volunteers with local organizations.
“I have been able to make changes in child care, mental health, access to health care for uninsured, partner to help educate work-based learning students, policy and oversight, and serve on the local economic development board. I have accomplished more as a volunteer choosing the path of servant leadership and building strategic goals within each organization,” she said.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, French diligently visited local culinary classrooms, offering students employment opportunities and a chance to gain soft skills in a safe environment. Her initiative, in collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation, led to her appointment on the State Rehabilitation Council by Gov. Bill Lee, advocating for solutions to challenges Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services faced. Upon arriving at MCCCC, she seized the opportunity to collaborate with the job coach from her previous employer, initiating training programs.
At the conference center, attendees witness the success of the inclusion program firsthand. Individuals with disabilities, standing confidently beside their peers, become living proof of the program’s impact. Through the program, they build self-confidence and independence in themselves and their abilities.
Integrated employment is the program’s goal, but success takes many forms, from personal decision-making skills to finding full-time jobs, opening businesses, or rebuilding confidence after incarceration. The program contributes to the local workforce, increasing the pool of qualified applicants.
The conference center, built by visionaries recognizing the community’s potential, primarily aimed to encourage out-of-town guests to stay and host meetings in town and stimulate economic growth. In 2016, the business model changed, transforming the center into a full-service venue, supporting traveling attendees, and becoming a one-stop shop for meeting planners, business travel groups, and leisure events.
Despite plans for program expansion beyond Coffee County, the persistent challenge of funding remains. Yet, French and her team are relentless in their pursuits, drawing strength from the tangible impact they make on people all around the community.
Choosing the path of servant leadership, French has learned to make waves through volunteer work and philanthropy, transforming lives and contributing to the economic growth of the community. The Manchester Coffee County Conference Center is the beating heart of the community, pulsating with the rhythm of community connection and empowerment.
French has partnered with various organizations, including Coffee County High School’s SPED department, Franklin County High School’s SPED department, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the departments of Labor, Human Services, Tourism, Higher Education, Economic Development, and Corrections, to bring her vision to life.
While French initiated the program, her staff played a pivotal role in implementing and ensuring the program’s success.
“The program itself I built, with help from many resources. But the most exemplary thing is this — I gave my staff the tools, and they have to implement and do most of the heavy lifting to ensure the success. I did not and have not done this program alone. Without my staff and their support and willingness to support my vision, there wouldn’t be a program.” GN
