FOCUS ON abilityODC AWARDED PROJECT SEARCH PROGRAM IN WISCONSIN RAPIDS

A Newsletter by ODC, Inc. SUMMER 2014

Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve

ODC recently became one of just seven agencies to be awarded a new Project SEARCH partnership program in Wisconsin! Project SEARCH is a high school transitional program for students ages 18-21 who have intellectual disabilities. Students in the program spend their final year of high school focusing entirely on transitioning into the world of work. The program will be based in Wisconsin Rapids.

As the lead agency, ODC will coordinate the program with partners Riverview Hospital, the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools (WRPS) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Riverview Hospital will serve as the host business, providing student internships within a wide variety of hospital

departments and providing space for classroom instruction.

“As an independent and community-owned healthcare provider, Riverview Hospital Association is committed to providing both health care services and employment experiences to all citizens in our communities,” said Celse Berard, President. “I am excited about this unique opportunity to collaborate with ODC on providing young adults with developmental disabilities with meaningful job skills and on-the-job experiences.”

WRPS will work in collaboration with the Port Edwards and Nekoosa school districts to identify students who will benefit from the Project SEARCH model. They will also dedicate a full-time classroom instructor to the program. The program is scheduled to begin with the 2015-16 school year.

“WRPS is excited about the opportunity to offer our students extended support in their learning, and preparation for the world of work in a real-life setting,” said Colleen Dickmann, Superintendent of WRPS. We look forward to this collaborative effort, as the end result will provide additional opportunities for our students.”

Since 2011, ODC has partnered with Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, the Marshfield School District and DVR on a Project SEARCH program in Marshfield. ODC’s role within the new Wisconsin Rapids program will duplicate our responsibilities within the Marshfield program: to provide job coaching services for participating students, which are funded by DVR, and to work with students to secure permanent employment after graduation. ODC’s Employment Services team often continues to provide job coaching for students after employment, with funds provided by Community Care Connect of Wisconsin (CCCW).

SEE PROJECT SEARCH / PAGE 3

TOP: Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids | BOTTOM: Riverview Hospital Association, Wisconsin Rapids

p2 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.

In Our Own Words

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“My son has autism. He is very high functioning – a genius in some ways

- but he also has severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and suffers

acute anxiety with change, especially change in routine. This anxiety

can bring on challenging behaviors and agitation, and even cause him

to run off into dangerous situations.

In 2002, my son became a client of ODC. He was anxious over the

change, but he was also eager for it. This was because he trusted that

his life-long dream of having a job in the community would be realized

with the help of ODC programs.

He thrived on the structure, and the understanding and acceptance he

received from ODC staff. My son can definitely be challenging at times,

but they worked diligently and patiently to help him succeed. They

learned to handle his unexpected shut-downs and behaviors with a

degree of savvy and expertise that is not easily found.

His dream of community employment could not have been realized

without the untiring help of the ODC job developer and job coach who

advocated for him. He had some desirable job skills, but he was also

totally unable to sell himself and lacked even a minimum of the social

graces normally needed for a job interview. His usual approach to a

stranger was to put his head down and look away.

The job developer worked with incredible determination to get him into an

appropriate work setting. It is unlikely that employers would have taken a

chance on him without knowing that help in dealing with his disability was

just a phone call away. ODC staff were always available if trouble arose, as

it sometimes did, and so kept his employment running smoothly.

He has had several long-term jobs in the community; it is unlikely that

he would have gotten any of them without ODC’s help. His work has

earned him high praise from all of his employers, and has given him a

deep sense of self-worth and belonging.

When jobs are phased out due to budget constraints or seasonal layoffs,

ODC’s work center becomes his safety net. He needs the structure of

a work day and, if work is not available in the community, he can go to

ODC and work. He has even made friends with other ODC workers.

Over the years, my son has come a long way. He has developed

greater self-confidence and is more socially aware and connected.

The staff at ODC can take a large share of the credit for his growth.

I am firmly convinced that his story would have been much different

without their help.”

- The Parent of an Individual Who Has Benefitted From ODC Services

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!

Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve p3

PROJECT SEARCHCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

To date, the Marshfield program has graduated 16 students, 11 of which are currently working in permanent or temporary community employment. Others are actively involved with ODC Employment Services in the work search process.

Editor's Note: Project SEARCH is an internationally recognized

model of employment training for young adults with disabilities.

The program was developed in 1996 by Nurse J. Erin Riehle,

then the director of the emergency department at Cincinnati

Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). As the flagship

program, CCHMC provides technical assistance for replication

and overall leadership to Project SEARCH worldwide.

HAIL TO THE GRADUATES!Many have celebrated the graduation of a friend or loved one this year... for those involved with ODC, none was so special as the Project SEARCH graduation ceremony in May. The graduates, who had spent their last year focusing entirely on learning the skills needed to be successful in the world of work, took the stage with diplomas in hand, poised to become contributing members of their community.

The ceremony was held at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, the site of the program’s internship rotations and classroom instruction. This year, 30 different internships

were offered in the hospital and within additional businesses including PC Doctors, Bright Horizons Day Care and Subway. Departments providing internship experiences for this year’s students included central sterilization, progenitor cell transplant, outpatient and inpatient pharmacy, environmental services, laundry, patient access, pediatrics and neonatal intensive care.

Anne Dick is a special education teacher with the Marshfield School District who serves as the Project SEARCH classroom instructor and coordinator. She has been leading the district’s involvement since the program grant was awarded in 2010. Project SEARCH is now moving into its fourth year in Marshfield, with eight students scheduled to attend this fall.

“For the students, it’s about believing in themselves and striving for what they want to achieve,” said Dick. “To see the transformation in their self-confidence is unbelievable.”

ODC job coaches Lisa Pannhoff and Ann Weigand are crucial to the students’ success. They train with hospital staff to learn the internship jobs right alongside the students; when the training is over, they offer support and continued training throughout each internship.

“ODC job coaches work to increase students’ expectations of themselves,” said Dick. “Learning the skills needed to do a job is very important, but believing in themselves is key. Many of

SEE PROJECT SEARCH / PAGE 4

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Matt, Max and Ben | BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Craig, Lanette, Danny, and Allison

p4 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.

PROJECT SEARCHCONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

our students don’t think they can do it and have never explored their options. We help them understand that they can learn so much more.”

According to Dick, the key is to match the student with the internship opportunity by assessing their skills and interests. ODC job coaches Lisa and Anne can then manage learning opportunities or stumbling blocks as they occur, so hospital managers don’t have to address them.

According to the graduates, constant feedback from the job coaches is critical to their growth and learning.

“One student commented that the best thing about the program was instant feedback from Lisa about what is appropriate work behavior and what is not, so that he could change his behavior to meet employer expectations” said Dick.

“This program would never be a success without the partnerships,” said Dick. “We rely on each other through each struggle and challenge, and piggy-back off of each other for ideas. If something isn’t working to help the student succeed, we say, ‘what else can we do’? Communication between the team, the students and their parents is key, so we are all working toward the same goal.”

“This program really accelerates the process of learning,” said Dick. “To watch the students grow is phenomenal – it’s so hard to explain without really seeing it. We’re not just focusing on work skills but also on life skills... becoming more independent, being more involved in our community and having that meaningful life. The program is certainly about employment, but also about all those other things needed for success in life and employment.”

THE NEXT STEPS FOR THE GRADUATES

Matt has accepted a 32 hour per week position at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in their inpatient pharmacy, where he completed his last internship rotation.

Max is actively seeking employment with the assistance of ODC Employment Services.

Ben has taken a position at Subway in their Marshfield Walmart location. One of his internships was at the Subway location within Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

Craig participated in Project SEARCH this year and plans to attend again in the fall to complete his requirements for graduation.

Lanette is working with ODC to complete a six-week temporary employment experience at the Child Care Center of Marshfield.

Through the ODC Employment Serivices program, Allison is completing a six-week temporary employment experience at Colonial Exceptional Living Center in Colby.

LT. GOVERNOR KLEEFISCH CELEBRATES PROJECT SEARCH GRADUATION - EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch visited Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield on May 16 to celebrate the graduation of the Project SEARCH program students. She was also able to join both ODC and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) staff at the Marshfield Police Department, to honor the City of Marshfield for its efforts to employ people with disabilities.

TOP: Lanette receives her diploma at the 2014 Project SEARCH graduation ceremony. | BOTTOM: Max says a few words prior to receiving his diploma.

Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve p5

“Governor Walker and I are committed to building a Wisconsin where every citizen has broad horizons and big opportunities to lead full and active lives,” said Kleefisch. “All of us should celebrate when our friends and neighbors find a job, and we should celebrate today as a new class of Project SEARCH graduates launches out into our community.”

Kleefisch attended the Project SEARCH graduation ceremony, where she spoke to the new graduates and others at the gathering. At the Marshfield Police Department, Kleefisch met with Josh Follen, who works in a parking enforcement position with the police department. Josh also continues to work

part-time at the ODC work center in Marshfield. Chief of Police Rick Gramza and retired chief Gary Jepsen represented the city, which hired three ODC employment candidates in 2013.

“We know the difference a job makes in the life of an individual,” said Kleefisch. “It brings dignity, a sense of purpose and mission, and the earning power of a paycheck. But it’s not only the employee who gets a better bottom line. Companies choose to hire people with disabilities because they are remarkably good employees, with unique talents and above-average job stability.”

LEFT TO RIGHT: Recently-retired Marshfield Chief of Police Gary Jepsen, Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, Josh Follen, Chief of Police Rick Gramza

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p6 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.

ODC WELCOMES NEW Chairperson & Board of Directors Members

LYLE LANG Lyle Lang, who has served on the ODC Board of Directors since 2010, was recently elected to the position of chairperson at ODC’s annual meeting in May. Lyle Lang is the president of Lang Furniture in Marshfield, a nationally-recognized

leader in the residential and hospitality bedroom furniture market. He is a member of the BPO Elks Club and Knights of Columbus, and has served on various committees at Our Lady of Peach Church and Columbus High School.

“I’ve always considered it a privilege to serve on the ODC Board of Directors,” said Lang, “as my desire has always been to contribute in any way that I can.”

Four individuals were also elected to the board at the annual meeting:

LAYTON ANDERSON Layton Anderson is vice president of hospital operations for Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. He also serves on the boards of the Marshfield Area United Way, the Wisconsin Hospital Association Foundation and the

Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.

“I have had the pleasure of working with ODC over the past three years with the Project SEARCH program,” said Anderson. “I see their services as being enormously valuable in our region. I was honored to be asked to be a member of the board of such a highly respected organization.”

BRENDA DILLENBURG Brenda Dillenburg has served Mid-State Technical College as Marshfield dean since 2002, and has 25 years of experience in the Wisconsin Technical College System. She is also a member of the board of directors for Ministry Saint

Joseph’s Hospital, the Marshfield Area Chamber Foundation and the Leadership Marshfield Steering Committee.

“I am passionate about what I believe in,” said Dillenburg.“My desire to help people be their best is central to my life.”

DAVE ECKMANN Dave Eckmann serves as special assistant to the chancellor for economic development at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, a new position which began July 1, 2013. His work involves connecting the university to economic development initiatives that focus

on solving problems and identifying opportunities within our communities.

“I chose to join the ODC board because I am passionate about helping people develop to their full potential as human beings and members of society,” said Eckmann.“This opportunity presents a place where I can take that passion and hopefully contribute to client success and the ODC mission.”

TAMMY SALEWSKI Tammy Salewski is vice president of Ron’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids. She has served on the ODC Trust Committee since 2011, and has been actively involved in fundraising and public relations efforts for the

organization. She is also past president and current member of the Assumption Foundation, Inc. board of directors.

“ODC has always impressed me on so many levels,” said Salewski. “They have a very intuitive and inventive team that is always looking for opportunities. Their mission, to “ focus on abilities”, is an inspiration and something many of us take for granted. I hope with my participation on the Board, as well as involvement at ODC functions, I can inspire others to become involved and offer support.”

Our thanks to outgoing members Pat (Curti) Fischer, Tom Janke and Terri Richards for their service to the board from 2009 to 2014.

Lyle LangChairpersonPresidentLang Furniture

Luke WeilandVice-ChairpersonAttorneyLuke A. Weiland, Attorney at Law, LLC

Josh LinnSecretaryAdministrative ManagerThe Bridge Center

Lori GroppTreasurerAcademic Business Systems Manager, Division of EducationMarshfield Clinic

Layton AndersonVice President of Hospital OperationsMinistry Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Dale ArendtExecutive CoachThe Arendt Group

John CorrigallVP Human Resources & AdministrationRenaissance Learning, Inc.

Brenda DillenburgMarshfield Campus DeanMid-State Technical College

Dave EckmannSpecial Assistant to the Chancellor,Economic DevelopmentUWSP

Jeff HillOwnerGene Hill Construction

Dave KrauseAssistant Vice PresidentForward Financial

Jeff MeyersVice President - Commercial LendingWoodTrust Bank

Tammy SalewskiVice PresidentRon’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Pam RossODC Presidentpross@odcinc.com | 715-818-6447

2014-15 ODC, Inc.

Board of Directors

Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve p7

In Their Own Words

In Their Own Words features stories of opportunity, support and personal

achievement. In this column, we FOCUS ON ABILITY!

SCOTT"My name is Scott and I work at Kwik Trip - I’m a retail helper

there. I’ve been there for about a year now and it’s fun, I love it. We

straighten the shelves, we clean … whatever we see we can do, we

do, I guess you could say.

I worked at ODC while I was in high school in a work experience

program. I learned to talk to people and be a people person. They

taught me a lot, helped me a lot – it’s pretty cool.

Work is important to me because I get to meet people, it gives me

something to do and I get a paycheck every once in a while – that’s

always kind of nice!

I’m most proud of getting my job at Kwik Trip because it is a great

company to work for. The people I work with are great – if I ever

need help doing something, they’ll help me right away. They are one

in a million.

While working at Kwik Trip, people that I know come in and harass

me a little bit, tell me to get to work! I tell them the same thing

because they shouldn’t be at Kwik Trip during the work day… but

that’s just my opinion! It’s fun to work there.

In five years, I hope to still be at Kwik Trip, gaining more hours and

meeting more people. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, and I’m

proud of that.

Thank you, ODC, for all you did for me… I really appreciate it!"

- SCOTT

TOP: Scott restocking shelves at Kwik Trip on Hwy 54. Scott is proud to work at such a great company... "They are one in a million."

Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.1191 Huntington AvenueWisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

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Nothing inspires us like the words of those

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employers. Check out our new video and see

what ODC has meant to the lives of three

individuals and their loved ones.