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| December 2009 |
Vol 1, Issue 1 |
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Blue Valley Industries December
Newsletter |
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| Mission Statement |
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Blue Valley Industries provides employment, training and access to support services for adults with disabilities while enhancing their dignity, encouraging independence, maximizing opportunities and fostering community integration.
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| Current Events |
- Americorps VISTA is a program that builds capacity in non-profit organizations and communities to help bring individuals and communities out of poverty.
- BVI VISTA Danielle Westcott will be assisting with Community Relations, educating and engaging the community as BVI expands and enhances services provided.
- Annual Christmas Dinner Celebration will be Friday, December 18 and feature live jazz music in addition to a holiday meal and activities.
- Social Security Administration Guest Speaker Thursday, December 17 at 8 am.
- Guest Speaker program: BVI invites people from the community to visit the agency and share information about their services or opportunities for involvement to our workers. During 2009, speakers have included: KCMO Police Department, KCMO Fire Department, UMKC-ACED Program (college experience program), Special Olympics, Special Parks and Recreation, People First, and Community Employment Inc.
- 2010 Guest Speaker program accepting applications.
BVI will be CLOSED on the following days:
Thursday, December 24
Friday, December 25
Friday, January 1, 2010
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| Business Services |
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Blue Valley Industries provides solutions to community businesses who have a need to outsource production or handwork activities and who have an interest in community re-investment.
BVI's efforts ensure that those employed within our facility maximize their earned incomes and as a result of our service attain their highest level of employment and community integration potential, or work to develop the skills to reach that potential.
Services Blue Valley is contracted to perform by local companies:
- Subcontract Labor
- Light Assembly
- Hand Work
- Customer Service
- High Volume Packaging
- Mailing
- Quality Control
- On-Site Crew/Enclaves
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| Get Involved! |
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BVI encourages the following donations:
Time - Volunteer to help with Special Events
Funds - Cash contributions are always accepted
In-Kind - BVI utilizes various services
Equipment - BVI makes use of a variety of machinery
Supplies - Office Supplies such as paper, pens & binders |
| Outcomes |
90% of BVI employees surveyed reported involvement with at least one monthly activity.
Activities include shopping, sports, art, music & church.
Satisfaction through Community Participation is an indicator of BVI impact. | |
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| Community Spotlight |
 Special Olympics held a bowling tournament in Joplin this November. 3 BVI workers attended and placed at the event.
Paul M. placed 2nd in bowling, and has been involved with the Special Olympics for over 30 years, and enjoys the running, jumping and throwing activities. Paul has been at BVI for one year and recently quit smoking after over 30 years. Paul has many interests including religion, landscaping and dogs and would like to find a job in the community and be able to drive.
Isaac F. took 1st place after being involved with the Special Olympics for 3 years and his favorite sports include basketball, softball and volleyball. Isaac has worked at both BVI and Goodwill Industries and would like to live independently with a grocery job or as a small business owner. Isaac also enjoys movies, horseback riding and works alongside his fiance at BVI.
Steve A. retired from Blue Valley Industries at the end of October. Steve was one of the seven original employees of this agency and his parents were involved in the creation of this agency. We will miss him greatly, but hope that he enjoys his retirement.
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| Featured Staff |
 Melody Harder, Personnel Manager / Case Manager
Melody began working at BVI in September 1983. Melody received her Bachelors Degree in Rehabilitation Services Education from Emporia State University. She has been working in the field of disability services since 1979. She began her experience as a vocational supervisor at sheltered workshop programs in Ottawa and Emporia, Kansas.
She currently provides case management services and personnel services at BVI. She has responsibilities which include: recruitment, hiring, individual assessments, individual support planning, completing the agency's Six-Month Outcomes Management Reports, completing annual budget request with the Director, coordinating the agency Safety and Health program, and she is the main contact person for caseworkers, families, guardians and residential providers. Melody also gathers satisfaction feedback from people receiving our services and their support team members through surveys.
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| Going Green - Spring 2011 |
 Blue Valley Industries is in the process of developing plans for KC Grows, an alternative training center that will be an inclusive experience for BVI workers while enhancing the greater community.
KC Grows will be a unique garden nursery center/social service entrepreneurial venture in the greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. KC Grows will provide quality choices for garden, bedding and container plants as well as vegetables and garden related supplies.
Planning is underway for Spring 2011 opening. | |
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Together we can have a positive impact in the community while empowering people and changing lives.
Sincerely,
Brian Hogan
Executive Director |
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