Frankie Mitchum is the new executive director of the Achievement Center/Easter Seals. He recently retired from the Alabama State Department of Education and is committed to rehabilitating individuals in order to be “workforce ready."

The Achievement Center was established in 1961 and provides vocational programs in five east Alabama counties , with the assistance of 57 participating businesses. This important program rehabilitates handicapped and disadvantaged individuals by evaluating, testing, training and placing them in jobs to help them gain independence.

Currently, there are 102 participants that have been placed in competitive employment. The center’s evaluation and counseling tests for ability and helps decide participants' career and workforce aptitudes. Academic skills are also strengthen. The Work Center provides a “win-win” situation for participants, local businesses and our community. Participating businesses include Briggs and Stratton, Falk Corp and Uniroyal.