“Training that leads to job opportunities is one of the most important things we do,” according to Quadco Executive Director Bruce Abell, as he began an annual planning review with the members of the Administrative and Non-Profit Boards on Tuesday (May 28).
Mr. Abell believes the training individuals receive at the center’s three SUBWAY® Restaurants is a prime example of how they assist people to reach their employment goals.
As he began the discussion with the board members, he asked Sharon von Seggern, who manages the restaurants, to report on the people being served who are working there.
She told the board members there are now 15 people in their training program working alongside other employees at Quadco’s Stryker SUBWAY® Restaurant and the Bryan and Defiance SUBWAY® Restaurants located in the Walmart stores.
Some of them are referred to the training program from area boards of Developmental Disabilities, she said, while others are referred by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.
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She said they are learning to do the various jobs at the restaurant and must meet the same standards as every other worker.
Ms. von Seggern went on to note that Quadco’s employment service recently assisted three people with getting jobs at area restaurants, another at a local church and another person to work as a farm hand.
She said they are also working with some people at area businesses to try out jobs to see if they are a good fit. She said employers have been good about giving people the chance to test out a job before they decide to pursue it as a career.
Mr. Abell pointed out that these experiences are just some of the ways Quadco continues to provide valuable tools that can lead to employment opportunities in the community.
Quadco will also be working with some young people during their school break this summer to help them get some valuable work experience in the community. von Seggern said that the center will be working with 10 young people referred to them through the Williams County Board of DD, as well as some other youth from BVR.
People from the area are being invited to see Quadco’s new Defiance center on Friday. Mr. Abell noted that an open house will be held for the center on May 31 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at their new location at 717 Perry Street in Defiance.
He said there will be refreshments and he hopes people get to see the new roomy center.
Mr. Abell introduced two guests at the meeting. Eric McKinney, who works at Quadco’s Northwest Products and at their transitional work site, said he likes to play drums and is often seen doing that at Hilltop ball games.
Deb Broadwater attends Quadco’s Senior Activities Program. She said she most enjoys going to garage sales and on shopping trips with the group. She noted that their first foray into garage sales is this Thursday.
Bill Priest, director of marketing, noted that the annual Quadco summer picnic is planned for June 14. The picnic will be held at Ruihley Park in Archbold and will feature games such as cornhole, bingo, basketball, and volleyball. A lunch will be served featuring grilled foods with favorite side dishes.
Summer is also the time for cruise-ins and Quadco is planning to hold a cruise-in in July. Mr. Abell said the center is planning to hold a cruise-in of classic cars in Stryker on Friday, July 12 from noon to 4:00 p.m.
He said that a number of people from Quadco like to attend car shows, and that NASCAR racing is popular with many of the people being served, so this will give them a chance to see some classic and custom cars up close.
Mr. Priest said he is talking to some of the people from car clubs in the area to invite anyone interested to come that day. They can also contact Mr. Priest at the center for more details.
Philip Zuver, Program Director, noted that production work at the center increased 24% in the past month.
He also noted that the NASCAR Club is the most popular at the center. There is also a healthy living club, a garden club, an art club and men’s and women’s clubs.
Mr. Abell asked Erik McKinney if he more prefers to work at the various jobs available or to join in with the many activities at the center. He said he prefers both.
“I like to do a lot of things,” he told the board members.
Mr. Priest informed the board members that members of the family of Berton Van Zile are presenting memorials in Mr. Van Zile’s name to the center. The memorials are designated for use at Quadco’s Defiance center.
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