FOCUS ON A Newsletter by ODC, Inc.
ability
WINTER 2016
ODC HONORS 2015 AWARD RECIPIENTS Cory Latourell, general manager of Hotel Marshfield, attended ODC’s Annual Awards Dinner on December 10th to accept an Employer of the Year award, recognizing her business for hiring individuals with disabilities through ODC’s community employment program. What she walked away with, however, was more than an award. “During the chaos of daily hotel operations, the business of making sure that everything is perfect for our guests, we sometimes take things for granted” said Latourell. “The presentations that evening really allowed us to remember the effort and struggles that so many of the individuals we’ve hired have gone through just to get to our door. It is truly humbling and fills our hearts.”
TOP: Stuart (right) received his Personal Achievement Award from Chris Nemitz, ODC Special Services Director, who has worked with Stuart for four years. Chris nominated Stuart for the award because, in his words, “Stuart is one of the most reliable, dependable and attention-oriented workers that I have ever had the pleasure to teach, coach and work with.” | BOTTOM: “When I asked Stuart how he liked his job at Weiler Convenience Store,” said Nemitz, “he thought for a minute, then told me that he never thought he could do this kind of work and have so much fun doing it!”
Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve
The presentations to which she refers were stories of three Personal Achievement Award recipients honored that evening. The highlight of this event, the achievement award is presented to individuals with disabilities who have overcome barriers to successful employment and demonstrate a positive, strong work ethic and good citizenship
qualities. It also honors those who have shown real growth within and contribution to their workplace.
STUART MANCIL Personal Achievement Award Recipient Marshfield Area
Stuart Mancil was presented with the Marshfield area Personal Achievement Award. Mancil was one of the first ODC workers to graduate from a convenience store training program developed as a partnership between ODC, Weiler Convenience Stores in Marshfield and Mid-State Technical College. ODC and Weiler stores worked with MidState to develop a curriculum that includes all the essential functions of a service industry position. ODC job coaches utilized this curriculum to provide Mancil with on-site training at Weiler stores. After graduating from the program with his certificate of competency, Mancil was hired by Weiler stores to do the job for which he had been training, as a retail helper. “Stuart is now working at a job SEE AWARDS / PAGE 4
In Our Own Words
1191 Huntington Avenue Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
This column, In Our Own Words, features the inspiring words and stories of those on the front lines of ODC’s mission: our staff, our volunteers and our supporters, as well as the parents and caregivers of people with disabilities. Together, we achieve! Think about the last time you tried something new. Was it just last weekend, or has it been
2406 East 21st Street Marshfield, WI 54449
years? Did you finally take the plunge and learn how to swim? Did your friends talk you
715-424-2712 WR 715-387-1161 MFLD
into attending one of those painting classes
M-F 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
I wonder how you felt. Nervous? Excited?
where you get to drink wine?
Grumbling a bit? At ODC, we’re trying something new, and we’ve seen and
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felt all of those emotions. They’ve been experienced by our staff, some of whom are taking on new roles. They’ve been felt by those we serve, who are wondering how these new options might potentially change their lives. In October, ODC launched that “something new”... a service called CommunityConnect. A pilot group of 29 individuals in Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids volunteered to participate; they joined small groups that, supported by ODC staff members, explored the community in
HIDDEN CREEK KITCHEN 715-818-6481
which they live. They discovered places and activities that interest
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while participating in community activities. They explored career
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them, and learned how to become more independent and confident options and tried out volunteer opportunities. The goal of this service is to empower individuals to get connected to their communities, and ultimately to assist them in their journey toward community employment.
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I have seen so many individuals become empowered by this opportunity to take ownership of their future. They have tried yoga
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at the Wellness Barn, obtained a library card, and volunteered at the Family Center and Mead Elementary School. As they have gotten to know each other, they have suggested other activities such as music lessons, genealogy research and video gaming, to name just a few. They visited numerous businesses and completed classwork related to workplace culture, interviewing skills and safety in the workplace. One of the pilot participants, David, recently told me that he was so excited when he started CommunityConnect that he was jumping up and down. When was the last time you jumped up and down because you were so excited to start something new?
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We hope that you will partner with us on this journey, as we continue to assist individuals in discovering opportunities... together. Stacey Schultz, ODC CommunityConnect Developer
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Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
ODC’S HIDDEN CREEK KITCHEN PROVIDES TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES… AND COOKIES! In 2010, Hidden Creek Kitchen (HCK) was created within ODC as a business with a mission: to offer our communities fresh, homemade sweet treats, to-go lunches and catering options while supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their work and life goals. Over the years, HCK has offered service industry training opportunities to many individuals served by ODC in areas such as TOP: Toni Koeshall prepares baked potatoes for HCK’s “Loaded customer service and Baked Potato & Chili Day” on food preparation. It Wednesdays in Wisconsin Rapids. has also established itself as a “go-to” destination for high quality baked goods, sandwiches, salads and other tasty offerings. In January, ODC consolidated HCK into one location in the Wisconsin Rapids center. The kitchen will continue to offer baked goods – homemade cookies, pies and other sweet treats – for sale to the public in both the Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids areas. Catering orders and “lunch-on-the-go” specials will be offered in the Wisconsin Rapids area only. HCK “snack bars”, staffed by ODC workers, will continue to be open within both locations to provide training opportunities and refreshments for those who work within ODC facilities.
OFFERINGS
TUES
Salad & Breadstick Day Wisconsin Rapids location only
Eight fresh, tasty salad choices are available for lunch “on-the-go” - order for yourself or your group and pick up between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
WED
Loaded Baked Potato & Chili Day Wisconsin Rapids location only
Pick up loaded baked potatoes with your choice of eight toppings – including chili – or choose a bowl of chili with all of the fixings. Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Homemade Pies
Wisconsin Rapids & Marshfield locations
Available year-round. Choose from Apple Orchard Cranberry, Caramel Dutch Apple or Harvest Oats ‘n Crans. Order them freshbaked or frozen.
Cookies
Wisconsin Rapids & Marshfield locations
HCK cookies are famous for their freshbaked, “made in grandma’s kitchen” flavor. Choose from six offerings including our famous peanut butter cookie, dipped in creamy chocolate. And also try our delicious sugar cookie cutouts - great for any celebration or get-together.
Catering "I love Hidden Creek Kitchen and I am very pleased with everything that we have ordered. We have used HCK for many of our meetings and events, large and small. The employees are very helpful and great to
Wisconsin Rapids location only
Catering for business or social gatherings will continue to be available in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Just ask HCK catering customers… they’ll tell you, the food and service are amazing!
work with. Everything tastes great and is presented well. We will continue to support their mission.” -Karen Christopherson, Renaissance Learning
Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve
HCK’s entire catering menu, including pies and cookies, at www.odcinc.com.
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AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
that he loves, a job that he earned,” said Mancil’s nominator, ODC Special Services Director Chris Nemitz. “This is a job that, in his own words, he never thought he could do.” Mancil, who ended his presentation at the awards dinner with the words, “I didn’t think I could do it, but I did it!”, proved that anything is possible.
EUGENE CHOINIERE
Personal Achievement Award Recipient Wisconsin Rapids Area Eugene Choiniere, Wisconsin Rapids area Personal Achievement Award recipient, has been employed as a retail helper at Kwik Trip on Stanley Street in Stevens Point since December 2014. According to his nominator, ODC Transition Coordinator Raquel Szymanski, he came to ODC after working at a number of community jobs that just weren’t a good fit.
“At our facility,” said Szymanski, “Eugene received the training, guidance and support he needed to build his confidence and increase his skills. He is now working five days per week at Kwik Trip, where he takes pride in his work and attains the level of quality that is so important to him.”
ALAN STEDER
Personal Achievement Award Recipient Northwoods Region Alan Steder was ODC's first “northwoods region” Personal Achievement Award recipient, representing a fast-growing ODC service area that includes Marathon, Lincoln, Taylor and Clark counties. Steder, who lives in Marathon County, has been employed at Walmart in Marshfield for over seven years with the assistance of Sandy Ewan, ODC Employment Coordinator, who has been working with Steder for 15 years. “Alan is a dedicated and valued employee, caring volunteer and active community member,” said Ewan. “He has proven that, although the journey may be difficult, true success is possible.”
TOP LEFT: “Eugene always has a positive attitude – and I mean ALWAYS!” said Raquel Syzmanski (right), ODC Transition Coordinator, who nominated Eugene for the Personal Achievement Award. | TOP RIGHT: Eugene’s Kwik Trip supervisor, Cassy Peper (left), was with him when ODC staff gave him the news about his Personal Achievement Award and presented him with a bouquet of balloons. | BOTTOM LEFT: Alan has worked at Walmart in Marshfield for seven years. He was recently recognized as Walmart’s Employee of the Month! | BOTTOM RIGHT: Alan received his Personal Achievement Award with ODC Employment Coordinator Sandy Ewan (left) and his sister Annette Bohman (right) by his side.
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Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS RAFTERS Employer of the Year Award, Wisconsin Rapids
HOTEL MARSHFIELD
Employer of the Year Award, Marshfield “It was a dark March day in 2013, when Hotel Marshfield was under renovation, that Mary Blanchard with ODC’s community employment program came to see me. She explained what ODC was all about, and then asked, ‘Do you think you might have some positions that would be a good fit for our program?’ I said
ABOVE: Mary Blanchard (left) presented the Employer of the Year Award to Hotel Marshfield’s Cory Latourell, General Manager (center) and Barb Peterson, Housekeeping Manager (right).
‘absolutely’, right from the get-go! So before the hotel was even open, we were discussing ways to hire through ODC. ODC employees have been some of the best associates we’ve ever had. We’re in the business of selling a service – we’re not selling rooms, we’re not selling hamburgers – so we know that, when a guest leaves Hotel Marshfield, they’re leaving with a feeling. The ODC employees that we’ve hired have been absolutely the best hospitality associates that we’ve had. They come to work smiling, happy to be here, they show up on time and they do a great job... it’s the best of all worlds! TOP: A crew of ODC workers pose at the ballpark in their Rafters t-shirts. Throughout all six seasons that the Rafters have been in Wisconsin Rapids, they have provided work opportunities for over 30 individuals. “The Rafters not only employ these individuals,” said Ann Lepak, ODC Director of Employment Services, “they make them feel like part of the team!” | MIDDLE: Rosco, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters’ mascot, was a fan favorite at ODC’s 2015 awards celebration! Joining him to accept the award were (left to right): Jake Serwe and Darren Besch of the Rafters’ staff; Kyle Ringer, who has been employed through ODC by the Rafters for all six of their seasons; John Fanta, Rafters staff; and Ann Lepak, ODC Director of Employment Services, who nominated the Rafters for the award. | BOTTOM: Eddie is one member of an ODC work crew that shapes up the stadium after each game. “I think there are two words that describe those we work with from ODC – attitude and enthusiasm!” said John Fanta, Wisconsin Rapids Rafters General Manager. “ODC workers have always brought that to the table.”
Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve
If you are considering hiring through ODC, I would say, ‘You need to do this – you absolutely need to do this!’ What these individuals bring to the table is not only filling a position, but they bring a spirit with them that really is contagious to the rest of your employees. You have to try it! We are so pleased to have won this award. It means so much to be recognized for something that has been so easy and so successful for us.” - Cory Latourell, General Manager, Hotel Marshfield
“Since our very first meeting, it was very clear that Hotel Marshfield was committed to supporting and giving back to the Marshfield community. Even though the hotel wasn’t slated to open for several months, the manager had already SEE AWARDS / PAGE 6 p5
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committed to supporting ODC and hiring through our community employment program… and an incredible partnership began! In August, 2014, Hotel Marshfield gave Alyssa her first job and the opportunity to grow, mature, develop friendships at work and earn a paycheck for the very first time.
As business began to increase, Hotel Marshfield needed new employees to meet growing demands throughout the building. They contacted ODC to see if we had the appropriate candidates to meet their needs... and the relationship continued to grow! Jeff became their ‘silverware engineer’, Sharon found her ideal job as a kitchen assistant, Richard joined the banquet team, Mark filled an important dishwashing position, Frances and Shelley secured housekeeping jobs... and the lives of these new Hotel Marshfield employees were forever changed! There is no greater thrill than to have a growing and respected business like Hotel Marshfield contact ODC, indicate that they have additional openings, and offer more great work opportunities to those we serve. Their staff really see the abilities of our workers, and they are welcomed as an important part of the hospitality team.” - Mary Blanchard, Employment Resource Manager, ODC
CHURCH MUTUAL INSURANCE
Employer of the Year Award, Northwoods Region “From the first contact I had with Church Mutual’s human resources department until this very day, ODC’s supported employment program has been treated with great respect. They were able to find a position for Darryl, who was working with ODC to find his first community job after 23 years in a work center.
TOP: Alyssa was the first individual hired by Hotel Marshfield through ODC’s community employment program. She has worked in the laundry department since August 2014. | BOTTOM: Francis (left) says of her job in housekeeping at Hotel Marshfield, “I don’t like my job… I LOVE my job!” She also LOVES her supervisor, Barb Peterson (right).
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Darryl has now been with Church Mutual for four years. He loves his job in the distribution department, and he is earning a good wage. Church Mutual has never faltered in their support of Darryl on the job, ensuring that he is succeeding in his role there. Two years ago, Church Mutual hired a second ODC candidate who works full-time, earns a good wage and receives full benefits.
TOP: Darryl has worked in Church Mutual’s distribution department for over four years. “He works with all women, so he has many ‘mother hens’,” joked Ewan. | BOTTOM: “Church Mutual has never faltered in their support of Darryl on the job,” said Sandy Ewan (left). Ewan presented the 2015 Employer of the Year award to Michelle Schwartzman (center) and Breigh Voigt (right) of Church Mutual Insurance.
I have a great respect for this company and all the individuals that work there. They have opened their doors and their hearts to the individuals they have hired through ODC.” - Sandy Ewan, ODC Employment Coordinator
Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
2015-16 ODC, Inc.
Board of Directors Lyle Lang Chairperson
President Lang Furniture
Luke Weiland Vice-Chairperson
Attorney Luke A. Weiland, Attorney at Law, LLC
TOP: Representing CCCW at the awards dinner were (left to right) Sunny Wilson, Marci Griesbach, Mark Hilliker and Cathy Derezinski. Presenting the Partnership Award were Pam Ross, ODC President (right) and Sherri Waid, ODC Senior Director of Program Services (second from right).
CCCW
Partnership Award “Since 2009, ODC and Community Care Connections of Wisconsin (CCCW) have worked together with the same goal in mind - to support individuals in achieving their work and life goals. CCCW is a funding source that pays ODC to provide specific programs and services... day services, center-based work services, and supported employment for people who need long-term support in their community jobs. Of course, both organizations truly care about the people we mutually serve, but what makes our relationship unique is that we work together to create the most positive outcomes for these individuals. We are both innovative... we are not “status quo” organizations. We want to push beyond what currently exists and continuously improve so that we can be “the best” at facilitating and supporting the success of the individuals who come to us for work and life assistance.” - Pam Ross, ODC President
“We provide supports to approximately 5,700 elders and adults with disabilities across a 16 county region in central and northwest Wisconsin. We contract with about 1,400 different service providers... I can honestly say that ODC is one of the very best. They are a true partner – they come to the table with ideas and they are always willing to provide feedback. Our partnership is about a shared vision and a shared sense of what is important... really, it’s about people living equal lives, connected to their community.” - Mark Hilliker, CCCW CEO
Josh Linn Secretary
Parent Representative
Lori Gropp Treasurer
Academic Business Systems Manager, Division of Education Marshfield Clinic
John Corrigall
VP Human Resources & Administration Renaissance Learning, Inc.
Brenda Dillenburg
Marshfield Campus Dean Mid-State Technical College
Dave Eckmann
Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Economic Development UWSP
Jeff Hill
Owner Gene Hill Construction
Cindy Kiesling
Executive Director Labor Education and Training Center
Dave Krause
Assistant Vice President Forward Financial
Jeff Meyers
Vice President - Commercial Lending WoodTrust Bank
Tammy Salewski
Vice President Ron’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Nan Taylor
Director, Business Development & Community Relations Aspirus Riverview Hospital & Clinics
Pam Ross ODC President
pross@odcinc.com | 715-818-6447
Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve
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Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. 1191 Huntington Avenue Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
WE CAN'T
THANK YOU ENOUGH! Thank you to the over
660 INDIVIDUALS & ORGANIZATIONS that made gifts to ODC in 2015.
THESE SMILES ARE BECAUSE OF YOU!