As we look back on 2024, we at Relay Resources see our work as an effort to create the kind of world we want to see—one where people with disabilities are valued and included. This year has been about more than just growth and milestones; it’s been a period of deep reflection on how we can shape a future where disability inclusion is the norm, not the exception. We’ve focused on taking steps to make this vision a reality and help businesses, in particular, play a crucial role in creating more inclusive workplaces and communities.
As we continue championing disability inclusion, we recognize that empowering organizations to adopt inclusive practices is key to building a world where everyone belongs, everywhere.
Here are 10 highlights from Relay’s 2024:
In 2024 we reaffirmed our commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging for all individuals:
Vision: Disabled People Belong. Everywhere.
Mission: We transform workplaces and communities by championing disability inclusion
Values:
These updated statements helped us stay focused on our core principles in 2024, and reminded us of the critical work ahead.
We also focused on strategic planning in 2024, identifying and pursuing three main goals:
1. Achieve and maintain ratio compliance
2. Uplift infrastructure
3. Grow new revenue by $6.8M
Once those goals were approved and put into action, the leadership team presented a three-year strategic plan to the Board of Directors, which will chart the path and direction for our organization for the fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028.
2. Brand Refresh: A Commitment to Accessibility
At the start of the year, Relay received a fresh brand update focused on inclusivity. Our redesigned brand and logo feature easy-to-read fonts and a carefully selected color palette that enhances visual appeal and meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This brand refresh reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring Relay is accessible and welcoming to everyone, including those with disabilities.
3. Team Relay Celebrates Pride and Disability Intersection
Team Relay participated in the Portland Pride Parade for the first time, with more than 40 members engaging with the community and celebrating the powerful intersection of Pride and disability. This event highlighted our commitment to supporting all individuals, regardless of gender, sexuality, or disability/ability, and was a vibrant testament to Relay’s belief that everyone should have the opportunity to be their authentic selves.
4. Empowering Neurodivergent and Disabled Individuals
One of our proudest achievements this year was our partnership with Melwood and VersAbility Resources to provide IT and cybersecurity training for neurodivergent and disabled individuals. Together, we applied for and received an $8 million U.S. Department of Education grant to be used for a five-year collaboration to extend Melwood's AbilIT Across America. This initiative will provide vital technical skills in IT and cybersecurity to individuals in the Pacific Northwest and Southern Virginia, addressing both the high underemployment rates among disabled people and the growing demand for tech.
5. Building Inclusive Communities: Best Buddies Partnership
Our partnership with Best Buddies has also been a cornerstone of our community engagement this year. Through the Citizens Adult Friendship Program, we’ve been able to foster one-to-one friendships between adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and nondisabled adults. This program is helping to integrate adults with IDD into the workplace and the community. We are proud to be part of a movement changing lives, one friendship at a time.
6. Relay Resources Receives Prestigious Green Certification
Relay Resources received the CIMS Green Building (GB) with Honors certification in 2024 as part of our ongoing commitment to excellence. This certification includes the Green Building Cleaning and Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) certifications, setting us apart as a quality-focused organization committed to providing our clients with clean, safe, healthy environments. These globally recognized certifications reflect our dedication to the highest service standards.
7. Long-Standing Partnership with Portland International Airport (PDX)
Since 1996, Relay has provided janitorial services to the Portland International Airport (PDX), one of the most beloved airports in the United States. This year, our janitorial team continued to ensure that PDX maintains its reputation as one of the best airports in the country, providing cleaning services for the newly expanded terminal. We are proud and thankful to be a part of PDX’s success and contribute to its high cleanliness and customer satisfaction standards.
8. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Celebrations
In October, we celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by sharing valuable insights on disability inclusion and raising awareness about the importance of accessible workplaces. We also made a few media appearances, continuing our advocacy for disability inclusion in the workplace and beyond. These efforts are just one part of Relay’s ongoing mission to challenge perceptions and break down barriers for people with disabilities in the workforce.
9. Becoming an Accessibility Partner for Major Events
We also took a significant step in 2024 by becoming the Accessibility Partner for major events like the Oregon Leadership Summit presented by the Oregon Business Council. This partnership further solidified our role as a leader in the accessibility space, helping to make events and conferences more inclusive for people with disabilities. Our work at these events ensures that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in discussions, networking, and professional development opportunities. We look forward to being the accessibility partner at the NW Equity Summit next year, sponsored by Partners in Diversity.
10. Investing in Both Our Customer Experience and Our Employee Experience
We launched a new Employee Success Coach team for our disabled employees, reinforcing our commitment to providing the tools and support our team members need to perform their jobs.
Along with our CIMS Green Building with honors certification, we added a chief revenue officer and business development team to ensure our current customers’ success, and that we grow our customer base.
As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering a high-quality of service, we also launched our SmartInspect Quality Program—a powerful cloud-based application designed to enhance the way we maintain your facilities.
With this innovative tool, our Janitorial Supervisors will conduct more frequent and detailed site inspections, ensuring that the spaces we clean consistently meet the highest standards. SmartInspect allows us to streamline communication and work requests, making it easier and faster for us to address the needs of our customers and resolve any issues.
This means:
This new tool is part of our ongoing dedication to continuous improvement, and we’re excited to bring you even more reliable, responsive, and top-quality service.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of 2024, we feel more committed than ever to building a world where disability inclusion weaves into the fabric of everyday life. This year has been a powerful reminder of the progress we can make when we take a moment to reflect deeply on the world we want to see—and the actions needed to create it. At Relay, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, but we know much more work lies ahead.
And we are excited about what’s to come in 2025! As part of our vision for the future is to help businesses across industries become more inclusive, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have equal access to opportunities and success. To take this mission further, we are thrilled to announce the launch of DisabilityNext, our inaugural Disability Inclusion Summit, on April 10, 2025.
Join Us at DisabilityNext
Get ready to join leaders, futurists, and innovators from across the region at DisabilityNext, where we will engage in dynamic discussions, share innovative ideas, and advance the movement for disability inclusion in the workplace. With an incredible lineup of speakers already confirmed, including some of the foremost leaders in the disability inclusion space, this summit will be a critical event for anyone passionate about making workplaces and communities more inclusive for all.
Our goal is to collaborate with C-suite executives, decision-makers, HR and DEI professionals, and leaders in corporate business, governmental agencies, and nonprofits to accelerate Disability Inclusion in the workplace.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on how you can be part of this pivotal event. Together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that the workplace of the future is one where everyone—regardless of ability—belongs.
Relay Resources offers employment and business solutions for and with people with disabilities. Learn more about what Relay Resources does here, along with how you can support inclusive workplaces or find employment.