Sharing the Wealth

Sharing the Wealth is a light-hearted and entertaining story about a young man named Jack O'Leary. Mr. O'Leary has just graduated from graduate school with a Master's Degree in Counseling and he's eager to make his mark in the world. Although O'Leary had some initial reservations about going into the field of counseling in the first place, he comes to terms with his career choice and decides to accept a counseling position with an agency that specializes in hiring the handicapped called WEALTH Industries. As O'Leary evolves in his counseling position, he will encounter some very interesting experiences along the way, many of which are quite humorous, and at times convoluted and unpredictable. O'Leary's relationship with his boss and several of his colleagues are examined, coupled with a client caseload that presents him with some zany, yet poignant experiences. The story line will capture the reader's heart and mind with some interesting and unexpected twists and turns and certainly makes for some thought-provoking reading. O'Leary, as the reader will discover, is not your prototypical counselor, and his unconventional approach to counseling is both humorous and effective in dealing with the day-to-day rigors that a demanding caseload like his presents.

Review :
DEMPSEY SCORES A KNOCKOUT by K. J. Janssen The novel centers on the life and experiences of Jack O'Leary as he begins a career path as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; himself, with a vision handicap. What he encounters forms the basis of this truly entertaining novel, full of beguiling vignettes as he interacts with the intellectually disabled, fellow counselors, public and private bureaucrats and with business owners as potential employers of disabled workers. The author is spot on with his appraisal of the current approach by government agencies at all levels, private organizations and business entities in dealing with those with learning disabilities. Degreed in Rehabilitation Counseling, Dempsey comes to the table well equipped with first-hand experience that forms the basis of his passion. "Sharing the WEALTH is a must read for readers of all ages. Regardless of our station in life, we inevitably interface with children and adults with developmental disabilities. This book not only helps us to empathize with that segment of our society too often neglected, but also to look past obvious differences to see the possibilities that a sound program can provide by recognizing and building on a disabled person's dreams and abilities. REVIEW FROM INCLUSION PRESS INTERNATIONAL by Jack Pearpoint As a publisher, as well as an avid reader, I have seen a plethora of books and articles, not to mention, media coverage, about the complexity of providing safe, sensitive, and human supports for those of us, who from time to time, need extra help in being contributing citizens of society. The media is full of frightening stories, revealing the abuses that occur in residential schools, institutions, senior facilities, and beyond. In addition to that, the number of first-hand accounts describing their personal and perilous ordeals is at an all-time high. So that being said, it was very refreshing for me to come across the book Sharing the Wealth. Sharing the Wealth is a fictional novel that attempts to peel back the layers, and tells a story from the perspective of a professional in the field who works as a rehabilitation counsellor. The book talks about the struggles, challenges, and delights of working with individuals that have disabilities, but in the end, the main character, Mr. Jack O'Leary, ultimately realizes that he is the lucky one in this complex human services equation. By fictionalizing this account, many of the thorny issues we face in our society are explored - without blame - but with the insight from an insider perspective. No one ever said that life was simple - especially when humans are involved. So for people who are either "in the system," or perhaps thinking of a career in the "supportive industry," then this book may be of great value to you. With the use of a great storyline, which at times takes some unexpected and entertaining twists and turns, it attempts to reveal the rewards of the great work that cna be accomplished in human services. The author was able to tell an insightful and heart-warming story by blending some poignant and good-humored elements. This is a story that would also appeal to the general public as well.