Compounding job scarcity is the disappearance of traditional subcontracting and sub-assembly work that has been the hallmark of employment programs for people with disabilities. There is no indication that these kinds of jobs will return. FWI and IBS responded to this shift years ago by creating recycling centers, retail shops like Corner Spot General Store, and Secure Document Solutions. Both organizations have moved away from being seen strictly as social service providers to competitive enterprises in the business community.

“Our merger with FWI strengthens our collective management, recycling programs, business development and marketing programs making, JobOne more attractive and accessible to our current and future business partners. Ultimately, JobOne’s goal is to become a self-sufficient organization contributing to the economy by creating jobs and paying wages through profit,” explains Mark Simcosky, former IBS Board Chair and Vice President of Metzler Bros. Insurance.

Simcosky is quick to point out that JobOne’s profitability will not come at the expense of its workforce, which will be over 300 strong. Caring for the needs of their employees with disabilities and ensuring they have the support required for them to be successful and productive always comes first. JobOne’s focus on the employee and providing job opportunities is why parents like Robin J. give the merger their full support.

Robin’s son has autism and was formerly employed at a national retail chain. Though the chain hired him, its management and culture were not conducive of a supportive work environment he requires. “The culture at FWI supports people with disabilities. Eighty-five to 90% of people with autism aren’t employed or are underemployed. FWI’s supervisors are willing to work with my son and build his strengths and not focus on weaknesses,” states Robin, a pediatric nurse and Family Resource Specialist for Autism and Related Disorders at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

“I am hopeful the merger will make both organizations stronger. I’m excited to see many new ideas on how to create jobs in the community. Businesses must also recognize opportunities; create them entrepreneurially; carve out jobs in micro enterprises. Every person, no matter what his functioning level, needs the opportunity to work. My son is happier today because he has a purpose,” explains Robin.

Stan Shurmantine, former CEO of IBS Industries will continue his leadership role for the new agency, and Aaron Martin, former CEO of FWI will hold the title of Executive Director. Stan, Aaron and their staff are excited about JobOne’s future.

Moving forward, we have adopted a new social and business mission, which will direct everything we do at JobOne:

Our social mission is to enhance the lives of adults with disabilities by providing a lifetime of meaningful employment choices.

Our business mission is to provide jobs for adults with disabilities through entrepreneurship and partnership with the business community.

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This April three employees began work at the True Value Hardware distribution center. They worked on special clean­ing projects to help the center get in tip top shape for an annual inspection. One employee, Miasha C., continues work at the center and we are hoping they will be able to find a permanent position for her.

Ranasha F. had a successful interview at Independence based Ennovation Center. It is a kitchen incubator where small busi­ness owners make and package food creations for sale. Rana­sha will work as a kitchen assistant to chefs working in Enno­vation center. This will give her excellent experience as she has always wanted to be a baker herself.

Our former employee and receptionist Nathan C. continues his work as a receptionist at the Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County- Eitas offices. He has proven his ability to take on phone routing for a staff numbers six times larger than FWI’s.

I am confident that the JobConnect program will continue to grow and provide many opportunities for FWI employees to reach their full vocational potential.

It all started when Ed noticed Boone’s hair was getting so long he began wearing it in a ponytail. Finally, Boone shared with Ed why his hair was so long and Ed thought, “It was about the neatest thing I’ve ever heard,” so he decided to join Boone in the journey. Ed says Boone inspires him because since working at JobOne, “He has come out of his shell and done a complete 180; he is one of the hardest workers we have and values working as a team.”

For more information on the Locks of Love program please visit: www.LocksofLove.org

Em­ployees working at the center enjoy steady work, good pay, and interaction with many Grandview residents. They also enjoy interacting with the business community while working on pick-up routes. The recycling program is good real world work experience for FWI employees, which provides a great training ground for individuals seeking other community employment. Some, however, like the work so much they don’t care to work anywhere else!