Groundbreaking Program Offers American Veterans With Disabilities Stable Employment and Independence

DALLAS, Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and Alorica today launched a revolutionary customer care program staffed entirely by American veterans with disabilities. This initiative, AloriCares, empowers veterans with an opportunity to earn a good wage and regain independence by working to provide customer care for AT&T business customers.

The AT&T pilot will launch in Atlanta in November and will employ approximately 60 veterans by March. The veterans will serve as front-line customer service representatives, as well as in supervisory, operational, and support functions. AT&T business customer inquiries on the company's broad range of products and services will be handled by the AloriCares support team. AT&T and Alorica intend to extend the program after the pilot.

"AT&T cultivates a work environment that embraces each individual's unique characteristics – it's who we are as a company," said Lori Lee, Senior Vice President AT&T Customer Care. "We understand that every difference, from race, to gender, sexual orientation and religion, as well as life experience are assets that help us serve the broad range of our customers needs," Lee says. "That's why we are working with Alorica in their 'first-in-service' initiative as a way for AT&T to pay respect and give back to those who have given so much to ensure the country's safety and our way of life," she said.

"Alorica is particularly proud of AloriCares. It demonstrates our unyielding commitment to recruiting and hiring all qualified veterans and service members and to finding creative solutions to assist disabled veterans with access and re-entry into the workforce," said George Atchison, Executive Director, DVA, AloriCares.

Established in 2010, as a division of Alorica, AloriCares recruits, trains, and hires disabled veterans to provide customer and technical support services. Because physical disabilities prevent some veterans from traveling to, or working on-site at Alorica call centers located throughout the United States, AloriCares allows disabled veterans to telecommute to work in dedicated workspaces within their homes.  

"Alorica's commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities for veterans and former military service officers is best exemplified through AloriCares. Veterans who otherwise would have no access to the job market because of their physical disabilities are able to rejoin the workforce through AloriCares and become productive members of our communities," said George Atchison, Executive Director, DVA, AloriCares.  

The veterans involved in the pilot received training from Alorica and AT&T, which emphasizes support and coaching to ensure  the employees are well prepared for the task.

"The thought of working for Alorica brings to mind one word: Camaraderie," said Teressa Taylor, U.S., Army, Disabled Veteran. "After my first conversation with each of the staff members, it was clear that working for Alorica would be better than the usual corporate experience. Immediately, you're made to feel like one of the most important components in the overall success of the company before you've received any training, answered one call, or earned one paycheck," she said. "The camaraderie combined with the fact that Alorica specifically developed a division aimed directly at recognizing, training and employing Disabled Veterans confirmed that I'd made the best decision for my career.  When I see the word 'AloriCares,' to me it means: AloricaRES (Recognizes, Employs, and Supports) veterans," she said.

To learn more about this program, visit AloriCares.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Alorica's Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Alorica is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital status, religion, medical condition, and, importantly, military service or veteran's status. Our Company is committed to equal employment opportunities in every aspect of its business, across all of its United States offices, for all of its employees. 

About AT&T's Diversity and Inclusion Policy

At AT&T, diversity means promoting an environment of inclusion; one in which each individual is valued and every voice is heard. We recognize all differences – from race, gender, sexual orientation and religion to perspectives, physical and mental abilities, experiences and outlooks. We realize that diversity is more than the right thing to do – it's essential if we want to be successful in the global marketplace. In fostering diversity and inclusion, AT&T has created a better business environment, one that makes the company an employer of choice, a preferred business partner and an important contributor to the community. Our success isn't something we take for granted. And as good as our record is, we're always trying to do better – continuously redefining and promoting core values that drive our actions, decisions and operations.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine. 

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.