NIVC Services: Helping People Work
The Above Billboard draws awareness to National Disability Employment Awareness Month through a partnership from the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant & Waitt Outdoor Advertising
“Helping People Work”
License Plate located in North Iowa.
Inside this issue: Service Report & Message from the Exec. Director
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Thank You, Donors!
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Development and Remembrances
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Thank You, Donors! cont.
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Dancing for the Dream 09
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This is My Way/A Good Job Fit
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Achievements
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All communities include people with disabilities as members. They are people of worth and value. They belong to families and neighborhoods. They are citizens, fellow workers, and parents. Take Nate Brierly, for example. Nate is a forklift driver at NIVC Services and the father of Myah who is in fourth grade. Nate is proud of his daughter and happy to be working in Mason City. He can do any job in the woodshop when needed. Four years ago he was in a car accident and suffered many serious injuries including a traumatic brain injury. He has learned ways to adapt so that he can still strive to perform his best at work. “I have been a hard worker my whole
life. I like to get things as close to perfect as possible, “ said Nate. “Here at NIVC Services the staff members are awesome at teaching you jobs and really helping people learn.” “Why work? Why not work?” Nate replied. Nate is happy to contribute to a high quality of service in the production areas of the Work Center.
NIVC Services: Helping People Work
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Revenue $3.5M
Service Highlights People Served/Service
339
177
NIVC Services provides Preparing, find- young adults and adults ing or training with disabilities paid job for work training, job placement, and Obtained/ job retention support.
Services Business Fundraising
retained jobs 47
students
187
Referrals to partner agencies
69
Career planning
226
Worked/ trained in NIVC Business operations
Research shows early work (as a teen) is a positive indicator of work as an adult. If students with intellectual disabilities don’t have work experiences in high school, 80 percent will never work.
250 200
Types of Services
150 100
50 0
A Message from the Executive Director
Sherry Becker, Director
My community report message usually includes highlights of the past year's achievements. While I am always proud to share our accomplishments, this year I am even prouder of the way we pulled together to face some very difficult challenges.
We could not have done it without the support of our dedicated NIVC team, valuable business and service partners, loyal customers, and contributors. Thank you. We know the recession is making it tough for everyone. Decreased income limits resources available for meeting day-to-day expenses. Our mission of "helping people work" is more important in the context of high unemployment. Unfortunately people with disabilities face high levels of unemployment even when the economy is strong.
October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The slogan for this year is "Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation." I hope you enjoy the terrific billboards featuring local „celebritiesâ€&#x; with this message. We have a long way to go in raising expectations and increasing opportunities for people with disabilities. Vital communities use the talents and skills of all its citizens. The economic downturn is temporarily masking the increasing problem of Iowa's aging workforce. People with disabilities are a valuable part of Iowa's workforce solutions. Helping people work is good for all of us! Warm regards from all of us at NIVC Services,
Sherry O. Becker
Thank You for Improving the Lives of North Iowans! Angela Ellingson Larry & Zelda Elwood Adam Enabnit Farrer Foundation Troy & Jen Faust Bob & Ev Fink First Citizens National Bank Fdn Diane Fischels Renae Fischer Jim & Ellen Fitzpatrick Claude & Marcia Funk Luelle Funk Jared Gardinier Joan Gasaway Mike & Joan Gasaway Paul & Carolyn Gold Fred & Marti Greder Mary Grismoe Jamie Gumphrey Joyce Hanes Heidi Hanson Sandra Hanson Bruce & Deb Harlan Elaine Harman Clifford Hathaway Rochelle Havig Heidi Heimbuch Rachel Heinold Stacy Heinselman Don Heitzhusen Henkel Construction Company Scott & Heather Hermanson Dean & Suzanne Hess Elizabeth Hier Gary & Carole Hoffman Home Realty Group Andy & Cheryl Hubbard Hal & Valerie Hudson Sam & Deb Hunt Brad & Cathy Isaak Hashi & Darshini Jayawardena Nicole Jewett Donald and Betty Johnson Tracy & Leigh Kading Norman & Sara Kelly Bob & Judi Kessler Tammy Kiefer KIMT Jim & Kathy King Nate King Kinney-Lindstrom Foundation Al & Lori Kittleson Knights of Columbus Dave & Kelly Kratz Pamela Krause Dixie Lamoreux Langhart, Inc Diane Larson
Bill & Kim Larson Mark & Deb Lassise Continued on page 5
Brian Baker raised over $590 to win top money raiser prize for the Dancing for the Dream dance-a-thon event on March 7, 2009!
Two of the dance couple competitors await the judges decision. (l– r): Jennifer and Rusty Olson; Brian and Tami Randall
NIVC Services: Helping People Work
Anonymous First Citizens Bank Ryan & Amber Allen Alliant Energy Marvin Alphs Robert & Patricia Amosson Mike & Molly Anderegg Jeff & Leslie Anderson Tana Anderson Monte & Michelle Applegate Rolf & Julie Aronsen Harlan & Marge Baack Brian Baker Alecia Balduf Chris & Lisa Barillas Blake & Nancy Barnes Walt Bate & Martha Ryan Byron & Ann Beasley Steve & Nancy Beavers Tim & Sherry Becker Ray & Joan Beebe Sharon Beek Justin Bell Jessica Benjegerdes Jim Benjegerdes Bergland & Cram Bertha Stebens Charitable Fdn Michael Blackmore & Jill Eikenbary Amanda Blakely Kathy Bledsoe Eddy Bohnsack Darlene Bortle Lynn Braga Shaina Brunsvold Brian & Jayne Carlson Garrett Carlson Tammy Cermak Cerro Gordo Co Community Fdn Brandon Chapin Clausen Plumbing & Heating Jim & Linda Coddington Tom Coonradt Curries Company Brian & Tanya Dadisman Melissa & Bobby Dahm Donna Daleske Dave & Phyllis Murphy Charitable Fdn Wally & Judy Davies Briana Davis Kristi & Roland Davis Kevin Dear Tim & Carol Dettmer Sandy Dixon Shannon & Emily Dykstra Eric Eichenlaub Terrie Eliason
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NIVC Services: Helping People Work
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Giving in a Tight Economy Regardless of where individuals with disabilities live, at home, with their own families, or in a supervised or group home, many individuals with disabilities in North Iowa obtain employment services through NIVC Services. You are a big part of our service and success.
Even now, in a tight economy, there are ways to give that work with your personal situation. If you want to help but wonder where to begin, here are a few suggestions:
Thank you for your generosity in shopping at or donating items to Affordables and Affordables on 1st; providing jobs with business contracts, hiring people with disabilities and your direct financial contributions.
Short-term gifts: Gifts of assets (stocks, collectibles, real estate, etc.)
Your support helps individuals with disabilities live productive, purposeful lives.� Sherry O. Becker, Exec. Director
Lisa Yunek
Immediate gifts: Financial support, donations of goods, donations of office supplies or equipment, your time in specialized skills
Long-term or Planned Gifts: Name NIVC Services, Inc. as a beneficiary in your will, retirement plan, life insurance or other charitable estate plan. You can designate a specific amount or a percentage of the remainder. It is up to you to take the first step. Contact your attorney or financial advisor/insurance agent to make this simple change and support NIVC Services in the future. Call me, Lisa Yunek at 423-3301 to discuss some ideas that provide a big benefit in fulfilling NIVCâ€&#x;s mission with a small cost to you.
Stop and Think Gifts: cars, jewelry, paintings, watercraft, furniture, collections, securities, real estate, copyrights, trademarks, patents, rugs, aircraft, recreational equipment, any item of value
Remembrances for July 01, 2008-June 30,2009 Memorials In Memory of Dale Becker Alan Dodge Phil Meyer Phil & Sharon Meyer Claire Schoenborn
Honorariums
Donated by Tim & Sherry Becker Tim & Sherry Becker Clifford Hathaway
In Honor of Sherry Becker Linda Garcia Jared Gardinier
Jean Mitchell
You can designate any contribution in honor or in memory of friends and family.
Geri Thompson
Donated by Nancy Zanios Tana Anderson Pamela Krause
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Thank You for Improving the Lives of North Iowans! Cont. form page 3
* NIVC is grateful for your support and we make every effort to correctly list your name/organization. Please let us know if there is a correction.
Brian & Tami Randall Dennis Reardon River City Communications River City Fence Company Mike & Traci Rohrer Jessica Rother Chad Rugland Ed & Tami Saidat Jennifer & Derek Schlitter Roger & Susan Schlitter Anne Schneider Betty Schneider Claire Schoenborn Patty Schroeder Mickie Schuessler Tim & Denise Schupick Schupick & Associates Steve & Cheryl Schurtz Matt & Jennifer Schweizer Susan Sieh Tori Silver Reenie Skellenger Steve Snyder & Louise Craigg Stadheim Jewelry Kristina Stange Leo Staudt Alan & Sharon Steckman Scott Steinlight Theresa Stewart Josh Struchen
Gerry & Marlene Studer TeamQuest Geri Thompson Todd Blodgett TQ Technologies Brad Trampel Melvin Vance Jenny Van de Walker Roberta Van de Walker James & Darlene Vsetecka Wa Tan Ye Club Tom & Sally Waggoner Waggoner & Wineinger Architects Tom Washington Brenda Watters Joslyn Waychus Les Weitzel Wells Fargo Foundation Kimberly West Bob & Cindy Willemson Williams & Associates Amy Williamson Rollie Williamson & Ann Grady Mike & Julie Willms Women of Trinity Betty Wyatt Tiffany Yaw Joel& Lisa Yunek Yunek Law Firm Jamie & Nancy Zanios
Judges (l-r) Dalena Barz, Kimberly West, Jamie Zanios, Nancy Zanios
NIVC Services: Helping People Work
John & Abigail Lee Scott & Maureen Leighty Gary Levinson & Jackie Armstrong Nancy Lundeen Paul & Barbara MacGregor Jim & Sharon Magelssen Bob & Donna Marreel Bill & Linda Marshall Patty Martin Jean McAleer Sandy McCauley Tim & Mariane McKone David McLinn Metalcraft Anita Micich Teresa Millard Ruth Miller Hal Minear Jean Mitchell Wendy Moon Arlo Movick Jean Mujica Nick Mujica Stephanie Murray Kim Myhre Katie Nelson Pastor Paul & Kathy Nelson Jim & Cindy Niemants North Iowa Comm. Credit Union Cheryl Noss Lynda Oetken Ozzie Ohl Dan & Kristen Ollenburg Robert & Elaine Ollenburg Dillon & Josie Olson Leman & Tana Olson Rusty & Jennifer Olson Sheila Ott Karn Palmer Jerry & Jeanne Plagge Janelle Platts Joe Platts L. Dean & Shari Pohren Pro Build North LLC Tim & Kelly Putnam Twyla Quinn Ruth Quisley Dennis & Joyce Rachut Kevin Rachut Jim & Amanda Ragan
NIVC Services: Helping People Work
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‘Dancing for the Dream’ Raises over $10,000 Saturday, March 7 6 - 10 pm 7 pm Dance Contest Music Man Square East Door - Streetscape
The first annual Dancing for the Dream event was held on Saturday, March 7th to help support the dreams of NIVC clients. “So many of our clients love to dance so they inspired us to create this event under the umbrella of Dancing for the Dream,” said executive director Sherry Becker. Winners Jim Fitzpatrick & Mickie Schuessler received the coveted Crystal Ball Trophy in 2009.
Save the Date March 6, 2010
There were two separate parts to this day of fundraising dances. The first event was a dance-a-thon for all ages to all types of dance music from 1 – 5 p.m. Brian Baker, Mason City, raised the most funds individually for the dance-a-thon. According to Brian, “I enjoy raising money for NIVC Services and people with disabilities because I have one and know what it‟s like. ” That evening, five couples competed to win the first ever NIVC Services “Dancing for the Dream” crystal ball trophy. Dancing in the Street in the streetscape of Music Man Square was a local version of Dancing with the Stars. A panel of judges scored the dance presentation, but just like on the TV show, the audience voted too. Judges include Dalena Barz, Three Eagles Communications, Kimberly West, PurrsonalityPlace.com, Jamie Zanios, NIACC/JPEC, & Nancy Zanios, Mason City School District. Out thanks to featured North Iowa “celebrity” dancers and their partners including Jim Fitzpatrick, Mercy Medical Center North Iowa with Mickie Schuessler, Studio for the Performing Arts; John Lee, Mason City School District with Abigail Lee, American Realty; Rusty Olson, Garner Farm Operator & Jennifer Olson, Hogan Bremer Moore; Brian Randall, Brian Randall Agency with Tami Fitzgerald Randall, Mercy Cancer Center; and Joel Yunek, Yunek Law Firm with Lisa Yunek, Grants, etc. (Band Festival photo above.)
Page 7 Even now, in a tight economy, there are ways to give that work with your personal situation. If NIVC Services: Helping People Work
This is my way... “This is my way of making a living. I can pay my rent and bills now.” said Frank McLain. Frank works in the wood shop of NIVC Services. He received training as a client for several years and then was hired as part-time staff. Frank likes the fast pace and tries to keep busy. There is always something to do. Over the past few years Frank has learned to operate the fork lift, pneumatic nail gun, learned to build pallets, and can float to all positions. His progress is evident to friends and family members. Frank sets goals to improve his performance and contribute to the organization. (Frank shown at right with nail gun.) Immediate gifts: Financial support, donations of
The Best Job is a Good Fit Rachelle Wheat enjoys her work at the YMCA. Through her love of physical activity Rachelle found a way to work where she spends her time. Although visually impaired, the Department of the Blind helped map out the phone system in brail allowing Rachelle to answer the phone at the front desk. A job coach from NIVC services helps Rachelle to learn other tasks at the front desk including sterilizing the toys for the daycare services. “I earn money and give back to the community.” Rachelle Wheat
“She does a great job answering the phone and putting away towels. Rachelle is very friendly, “ said front desk supervisor Lisa Trewet.
NIVC Services, Inc. Presents Chairs with Flair Affordables on 1st 219 1st SW 641-423-0236 Mason City
goods,
do-
A local artist, perhaps like you, decorates a chair from our stock, donates it for resale at the store. Come and see our selection of furnishings and décor. Rachelle walks the track with assistance from Troy Treloar, YMCA staff.
NIVC Services: Helping People Work
Page 8 Helping People Work through Computer Skills Small group instruction is provided with hands-on support so that individuals learn to power up/down equipment, use basic software programs and connect to the world through the internet and email at the Job Link offices. (At left and below Tori Silver provides user-friendly lessons.) “The interest and enjoy-
“We can put our new skills to work right away!”
ment in this course remains high! Its been fun sharing this curriculum.” Tori Silver
Quality Programs and Services: CARF International announced that NIVC Services, Inc. has been accredited for a period of three years for its six Community Employment Services programs. These include job development, job supports, job-site training, employee development, service coordination, and transition services (youth) programs. Sherry Becker Receives a National Disability Employment Advocacy Award APSE: The Network on Employment, announced its 2009 APSE National Award Winners during the banquet at the 2009 APSE National Conference in Milwaukee held June 30- July 2, 2009. Sherry Becker, Executive Director of NIVC Services, Inc. has been named the Wendy M. Wood award recipient. The award recognizes emerging leaders in moving toward complete involvement of people with disabilities in our society. Becker was nominated by members of the Iowa APSE Chapter. Wendy M. Wood is the founding Executive Director of APSE. To honor Wood‟s contribution to this organization and the overall field of supported employment, APSE's Board of Directors established an award to recognize leaders such as Becker in moving toward complete involvement of people with disabilities in our society.
Staff Recognition Thank You for your Years of Service! Brenda Watters 30 Years of Service Brenda has seen many changes and improvements in the employment of people with disabilities throughout her years of service. Also recognized: Maureen Skellenger – 20 Years of Service Melissa Dahm – 5 Years of Service The Board of Directors recognized these staff members at the annual Labor Day celebration.
Mission: NIVC Services, Inc. empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive employment through a strong commitment to business and training opportunities.