FOCUS ON A Newsletter by ODC, Inc.
ability
SUMMER 2015
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FOCUS ON ABILITY ODC’s 50 year anniversary is a great time for reflection. Much has changed in 50 years, in our world and within ODC. We have grown in scope and size, we have experienced changes in the economy and in our funding, and we have developed new programs and new business initiatives to meet the needs of the people we serve.
facilitate even more connections and develop more opportunities so that each person can work and participate as an active, contributing citizen in the community.
While many things have changed, one thing hasn’t - “who we are” as an organization and what guides our work. The people we serve have always been at the heart of all our efforts and decisions. We are guided by their needs, and we are always motivated to improve as an organization so that we can be more effective in supporting each person as they work to achieve their work and life goals. Our 50 year anniversary is also an opportunity to look toward the future. We have learned so much as an organization over the past 50 years, and we want to use what we have learned to guide us. We’ve learned that when people are given opportunity and support, combined with their own personal effort, they can achieve wonderful things in employment and in life. We’ve learned that we need to “dream big” as an organization and encourage the people we work with to do the same in pursuing what they want to achieve in their lives. Without a doubt, ODC as an organization will look different in the next 50 years. We have come a long way, but we recognize we still have much more work to do. We want to continue to
A group of concerned citizens help create the “South Wood County Sheltered Workshop” and the “Marshfield Rehabilitation Workshop” to provide vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities.
1965
Gary Gilbert is hired as director of the two operations.
1969
Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve
TOP: Gary Gilbert (center), then ODC President, at the Marshfield Rehabilitation Workshop in 1969.
What won’t change is our commitment to the people we serve. They will continue to be the inspiration and guiding force behind all of our work and all of our next steps as an organization. We thank all of the people who have supported ODC and played an important role in ODC’s first 50 years. We look forward to a promising future for ODC and everyone we serve!
The Marshfield Rehabilitation Workshop, Inc. and South Wood County Sheltered Workshop merge to become Wood County Workshop, Inc.
1970
On its 10 year anniversary, Wood County Workshop changes its name to Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. to reflect changes in programming.
1975
ODC receives its first accreditation as a rehabilitation agency by the national accreditation agency CARF.
1977
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! It’s hard to believe that ODC is celebrating its 50th anniversary… happy birthday, ODC!
2406 East 21st Street Marshfield, WI 54449
ODC reminds me of so much good. One of my fondest memories involves ODC when I was just
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a child, in the early 1970s. My aunt needed the services that ODC provided; she had mental
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health issues and ODC was the only place willing and able to meet my aunt’s needs.
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There was so much misunderstanding about disabilities back then. Stigma was more prevalent, and education was lacking on the subject. Much of the time, people with disabilities were treated as outcasts. Even my aunt’s immediate family had a hard time accepting her, so my family took in her and her son. As time went by, ODC became a good fit for her, and was a blessing to my aunt, her family, my family and the greater community. I was just a little boy then, but the importance of ODC in my family’s life really had an impact on me… and that was close to 50 years ago. Besides helping so many individuals, I have seen over the years that ODC is doing something else, too – ODC is fighting the stigma that labels individuals and limits expectations. Stigma can be beat, but it takes education, and ODC has been taking steps to educate everyone in our communities for many years. People are more accepted, success is being attained and progress is being made. What is most important about ODC? Focus! ODC puts the focus on
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the ability of the individuals, not on the disability. This makes all the difference in the world.
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ODC has been a blessing for countless individuals and families. Thank
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Andy Adams, ODC Employee
you, ODC, for doing all that you do… and happy 50th birthday!
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ODC establishes Workskills and Supported Employment programs, opening up new employment opportunities for people with more significant disabilities.
With over $1.25 million raised during ODC’s first capital campaign, construction begins on expanding the Wisconsin Rapids facility to include a warehouse and larger work areas.
1986 p2
1994 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
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Tanya Barton - Trudi Bergerson - Paula Butler - Deb Cleworth - Dance with Pam - Carol Davis - Tom Dewitt - Mike Fait - Emily Faivre - David Farmbrough - Alex Ferkey - Pat Fischer - Jessica Foley - Joel Goodness - Ann Hartley - Becca Hartley - Phil Hartley - Kurt Heuer - Dylan Hildebrandt - Tari Jahns - Daniel Janik, Jr. - Pam Jennings - Jill Joosten-Russell - Emilie Keuntjes - Chris Kinzel - Nita Kirst - Miss Wisconsin Rapids Area Madeline Kumm - Nellie Larsen - Eugene Mancl - Ginger Marten - Rick Merdan - Michelle Neumann - John Preuss - Rapids School of Performing Arts Melissa Reichert - Tom Reichert - Galynne Riggenbach - Kelly Ryan - Sarah Salewski - Bret Salscheider - Mark Skibba - Elaina Stoffel - Nan Taylor - Shannon TerMaat - Tilly’s Village: ODC President Pam Ross, Jerry and Michele King, Ginger Marten, with special guests Eric Brittnacher and Bill Jungwirth - Connie Tomski-Faville - Katie Tomsyck - Zach Vruwink - VSA Choir - Laura Williams - Wisconsin Extreme Dream Team
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Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve
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OH, WHAT A JOY! When asked about her new employee, Autumn, Dr. Patti Schumacher of Changes Within chiropractic clinic says this: “‘Oh, what a joy’ pretty much sums it up.” Dr. Schumacher has owned and operated Changes Within in Marshfield for 11 years. While the clinic serves all ages, they specialize in pediatric chiropractic services. According to Schumacher, her patient list includes many children with special needs – one of the reasons that she was so receptive when ODC came to call about providing an internship opportunity for a young woman participating in Project SEARCH, a high school transitional program for students with intellectual disabilities. Enter Autumn, who was set to graduate from the Project SEARCH program on May 15. But before that date rolled around, before the end of her internship at Changes Within, Schumacher decided that she couldn’t let her go. Autumn was hired on May 6. “I can honestly say that I see quite a few children with disabilities that have kind of ‘given up’,” said Schumacher. “I want them to see Autumn, to see that she never gives up. She has a positive attitude every day when she comes in – she hates it when she has to miss work. I’m hoping that she’ll have some influence on them.” “The effect on the rest of my staff is night and day as well,” said Schumacher. “We take everything for granted, but Autumn has opened our eyes to see the blessings we have in our lives.” Autumn is responsible for a variety of office tasks within the clinic. Another of her Project SEARCH internships took place in the human resources department at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she learned that she really enjoyed office work. “Working in HR taught me to find a system that works and don’t mess it up,” said Autumn. “I even had my own office there!” “She’s not afraid to tackle anything,” said Schumacher. “She’ll try it, and if she can’t do it she’ll let us know. But if she can, she’s going to do it with 100% effort.”
Having raised $745,000, construction is completed on a new building in Marshfield.
1998 p4
Gary Gilbert retires, and Pam Ross succeeds him as President.
2000
ODC is awarded a federal contract with the US Postal Service to manufacture 10 million label holders.
2001
TOP: Schumacher and her staff closed Changes Within chiropractic clinic for a time on May 15, so that all of them could attend Autumn’s Project SEARCH graduation ceremony. “At the graduation, I was so mad at my mom because she just kept snapping pictures,” said Autumn. “But mom said, ‘you’re going to thank me for this when you’re really, really old!’” | BOTTOM: “Autumn is always smiling,” said Schumacher. “She does cheerleading on the weekends and I can totally see why she loves to do it, because it just lights her heart on fire to be able to cheer and have a good time.”
Access and Beginnings programs are established to provide work opportunities for people with significant support needs. Community donors support construction of the Beginnings workroom.
2003 2004
Community Care Connections of Wisconsin becomes the primary referral and funding agency for individuals served by ODC programs. For many years, Wood County Unified Services was the major funding source.
2009 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
PAYING IT FORWARD LuAnn is a staff aide. She works with individuals with disabilities at Lincoln
were compounded by numerous
“As soon as Sandy mentioned Lincoln
surgeries for which recovery time
Industries, I was thrilled,” said LuAnn.
was lengthy. Those surgeries had left
“My cousin has Down Syndrome, and
her with physical limitations that also
my uncle was a person with a disability
narrowed her employment options.
as well. We helped care for them when I was growing up. My mom is a
Industries in Tomahawk, providing
“I was at the end of my rope,” said
them with direction and support as
LuAnn. “I didn’t know what I was
they perform their work at a center
going to do. I had the ambition and the
much like ODC’s.
energy – I wanted a job and I wasn’t
But LuAnn has come a long way.
caretaker and so is my sister, and my
messing around.” “I had put in 22 applications in a year’s
direction and support herself, and she
time,” said LuAnn. “I went back to each
found that through ODC. She now
location and I called each location –
gives back, helping people to achieve
nothing was happening.”
When LuAnn met Sandy Ewan, ODC Employment Coordinator working in the Merrill area, she had been unemployed for many years. Her anxiety disorder had become disabling and had made her job search difficult; her troubles
ride to Lincoln Industries’ Tomahawk center to work for the day. That sealed supervisor who, in March, presented
Then, in January, Ewan joined the
LuAnn with that long-awaited job
search.
offer – she would be working at the
“I chose ODC to help me find a job,”
Tomahawk center.
said LuAnn. “Sandy asked me what I
“This opportunity and this job 100%
like to do, and what my strong points
changed my life, and I’m not kidding,”
and weaknesses are. I have trouble
said LuAnn. “It changed it from black
with paperwork, and she helped me
to white, 180 degrees! I now have a
with all of that. She ‘interviewed’ me
responsibility, and I take responsibility
just like an employer would... she
very seriously. I help people, and I feel
videotaped the interview and played
good about myself.”
skills.”
ODC named the 2010 Business of the Year by Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Innovative Business of the Year by the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.
surprised her by asking her to take a
the deal for both LuAnn and her
it back for me, to help me improve my
TOP: “She took to the job like ‘magic’,” said Sandy Ewan (right), ODC Employment Coordinator, of LuAnn (left) and her employment at Lincoln Industries in Tomahawk.
in our blood.” After five weeks, LuAnn’s supervisor
Not so long ago, she needed a little
their goals.
aunt is a nurse, so I think we have that
“I would have never gotten this job without ODC – I was trying myself but
Ewan used all of the tools at her disposal
it wasn’t happening,” she said. “This
to assist LuAnn in securing employment.
has changed my life. This is the best
One of tools, a six-week work
job I’ve ever had and I’m very thankful
experience, is often utilized by ODC
for everything – it was the right time
staff to help them better identify an
with the right people, and it was just a
individual’s interests and skills in order
blessing.”
to find the best job match possible. LuAnn’s work experience was to take place at Lincoln Industries in Merrill.
ODC is awarded a Project SEARCH program in Wisconsin Rapids.
ODC receives a Pathways for Independence grant to “rebalance and restructure” our staff resources to advance integrated community employment for individuals with disabilities.
2010 Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve
ODC is awarded a Project SEARCH program in Marshfield. Project SEARCH is a high school transitional program for students with intellectual disabilities.
2011
ODC develops and implements its Convenience Store Certificate of Competency ODC celebrates 50 program, which utilizes a years of empowering curriculum to “graduate” people with individuals with a signed disabilities to achieve certificate of competency in their work & life service industry work. goals.
2014
2015 p5
ABOVE: Adam’s “surprise” one-month anniversary celebration included a sign that he’ll treasure… “Adam, we are so happy you are here!”
THE RIGHT FIT On Adam’s one-month work anniversary, AgSource threw him a party. “It was a really nice surprise, because I had mentioned that my anniversary was coming up,” said Adam. “So they gathered everybody in the breakroom, and Janine came and told me that we were going to meet with Lynn from ODC. Then everybody said ‘surprise’ and congratulated me!” Adam and his colleagues were celebrating the anniversary of his hire as a lab technician at AgSource in Marshfield, a laboratory that provides food, water, environmental and milk testing services. Adam had worked with the company before, during a six-week temporary work experience in 2012 that explored his interests and skills with the support of ODC staff. “Lynn Haefer from ODC came and talked to me about the possibility of a temporary work experience and right away, we had a great working relationship,” said Janine Brun, Laboratory Operations Manager at AgSource. “Adam worked out really well and we enjoyed him immensely. Even in that time, in those six weeks, you could see how much he had grown.” But, she said, AgSource hadn’t budgeted for any new positions at that time, so his hire was out of the question.
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“That was three years ago”, said Brun. “Once we moved into our new building and I knew that I had enough work for two part-time staff, he was the first person that came to my mind. After Adam left the temporary position, I had told him and Lynn that I was going to get him back in this role somehow, some way.” After the AgSource experience was over, Adam worked with Haefer on other temporary assignments, but none seemed as good a fit as the lab. Adam has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from UW-Stevens Point, so it makes sense that he would love the AgSource environment. “He’s doing something that he has the education and the background to do, and he loves it!” said Brun. “He’s just so happy to be here. And that really, really helps my other employees have a more positive outlook on life. He keeps them happy, too!” “Everybody loves him,” said Brun. “When we had that little get-together, everyone was excited to be a part of it. We just wanted to show him that we’re behind him all the way, that what he does matters to us, that he’s doing an excellent job, and that we’re proud of him.” And according to Adam, “This job definitely feels like the right fit!”
Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.
THE FACES OF ODC Recognizing people who have participated in ODC programs for many years...
FRANK 41 years Frank is one of two individuals who began their career at ODC in 1974! He continues to work on the ODC production floor in Marshfield three days per week – we don’t see him retiring anytime soon!
JOYCE 41 years Joyce also began her career at ODC in 1974! She has had many community jobs over the years, and now works exclusively at Arborview Court, an assisted living facility, with the support of ODC staff.
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
Josh Linn Secretary
Administrative Manager The Bridge Center
Lori Gropp Treasurer
Academic Business Systems Manager, Division of Education Marshfield Clinic
Layton Anderson
Vice President of Hospital Operations Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital
John Corrigall
VP Human Resources & Administration Renaissance Learning, Inc.
Brenda Dillenburg
ROSEANNE 37 years Roseanne has worked at ODC’s Marshfield facility since 1978! She still
Marshfield Campus Dean Mid-State Technical College
Dave Eckmann
Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Economic Development UWSP
Jeff Hill
works three days per week, many times
Owner Gene Hill Construction
in the wood room production area.
Cindy Kiesling
Executive Director Labor Education and Training Center
Dave Krause
DIANE 37 years Diane began working at ODC’s Wisconsin Rapids facility in 1978. She retired from work in 2012 but still participates in our Day Services program.
We are so glad to be part of your success!
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 Riverview Hospital Association
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
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