MGM in $1m autism support donation

MGM Resorts will donate $1m to a new programme offering opportunities to individuals with autism.

The entertainment company is partnering with Grant a Gift Autism Foundation-Ackerman and the money will be used to expand the progamme over five years.

The joint venture will offer people on the spectrum vocational job placements.

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts, said that as the largest private employer in Nevada, it is his company’s “responsibility” to “contribute to social and economic progress.”

He added: “Our vision for embracing humanity aligns with the incredible work of GGAF as they work to improve the lives of adults with autism in southern Nevada.”

As part of the partnership, GGAF will provide clients with a 12-week vocational readiness training programme in which they will learn pivotal skills and have access to parent empowerment training and other family services.

Upon completion of the training, GGAF clients will have the opportunity to apply for open MGM Resorts position that meet specific requirements for the programme.

Once employed at MGM, individuals can seek on-site coaching through GGAF to ensure a full understanding of their role.

In late July, the MGM Resorts Talent Acquisition Team held its first hiring event at the GGAF Ackerman Centre, offering employment opportunities to the first group of individuals.

This is the latest partnership between MGM and GGAF, after the entertainment company granted the organisation a $140,000 grant in June this year.