Empac Employment Resources

#Save14c Week: February 1st - 5th #TellYourStory #SAVE14c #MyJobMyCHOICE

Another question that came in today ... "Why should people with disabilities make below minimum wage" ... Simply stated, people with disabilities should have t...he right (JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE) to choose where they would like to work. Sheltered Workshops are not an appropriate work setting for everyone but for a portion of our population - it is absolutely the perfect fit. *JUST ASK THEM! To further clarify ... Section 14c enables sheltered workshops to employ people with a wide-variety of disabilities who have a wide variance of abilities, who otherwise would not be in the workforce. Working in a sheltered workshop provides these individuals with a work routine - just like everyone else - which they desire. This work place option also provides a safe environment with opportunities for socialization and friendship with their peers. It also provides them with opportunities for job growth and skill growth. Many thrive in these settings. Some will go on to other types of employment while others may stay. The idea is to provide work environments that work for ALL individuals. We should be adding opportunities - not taking them away! *This portion of our population should not be brushed aside! They (and in many cases - their parents or siblings) should be afforded the right to decide what work environment works best for them and their loved one. It should be up to THEM and NOT the government. **For additional information on how sheltered workshop employees are paid - Please see our previous post. #SAVE14c #MyJobMyChoice #TellYourStory

Some of you have asked why sheltered workshops need 14c. Great question. Following is a general answer to that question. Hope this helps! For Sheltered Works...hops section 14c provides a highly regulated certificate through the United States Department of Labor. The certificate recognizes the impact on productivity that many severe disabilities create. The regulation outlines a methodology which assures persons with these severe impacts are paid wages commensurate with nondisabled workers doing the same type of work. This is accomplished by researching the industry production norms for work done by the certificate holder. Industry norms for the prevailing wage paid for the work are also established. *Each individual is evaluated for their work and a pay rate is established that is commensurate with the industrial norms and the prevailing wage. This process repeats on a regular basis as per regulatory requirements. Each step of this process is highly regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor and reviewed on a regular basis by the Missouri Department of Education. **The removal of Section14c creates a situation where sheltered workshop employees could not be paid commensurate with their own productivity. Therefore, the economics of maintaining this vocational service does not remain feasible. #save14c #MyJobMyChoice #ATeamMissouri #TellYourStory

It has been brought to our attention that the Biden Administration plans to include the elimination of 14c in their economic/stimulus package (American Rescue P...lan) which they will be introducing immediately. They refer to it as special minimum wages for people with disabilities and call for it to be completely eliminated. As we learn more information we will share. In the meantime please consider emailing and calling your Congressperson - LET THEM KNOW why 14c and Extended Employment Sheltered Workshops are important to you and your family. We will post more information Monday evening. #MyJobMyChoice #ATeamMissouri ACCSES A-Team Pennsylvania A Team - Arkansas Together For Choice A Team NV See more

Please join us for an evening with friends. Enjoy tastings of local wines & brews, a wonderfully prepared dinner by Purina Specialty Chef and a one of a kind L...IVE AUCTION to help support our Ability Clients and their needs. To register please click the link below or call the Ability Office at 636-583-5801 bit.ly/ability_rfts

This group spent the morning getting their hands dirty and working hard at Exceptional Equestrians Mo. Valley!

Rosie has been working at Glady Fay's since June 2018. Rosie is such a hard worker and loves her job and co-workers. The staff at Glady Fay's are so welcoming and friendly. Stop in for some delicious breakfast or lunch and say hi to Rosie!

Working on teamwork skills and volunteering at the same time Thank you to the Washington Senior Center for letting us create your Valentines Day goody bags

As we ring in the new year, we wanted to celebrate someone who has been extremely successful in 2019. Daniel has been employed at Gateway Signal Engineering since August 2019. Daniel’s words to his employment specialist solidify why we do what we do. I’m happy we found a job that fits me!!! I know it took awhile to get a job but I’m so thankful I waited until you helped me find this one. I wouldn’t have had the success I’ve had without you helping with job skills and proper... job communication and so forth. I really want you to know how thankful and grateful I am that I have support from the entire office. Thank you so much. Daniel and the staff at Gateway have been a pleasure to work with! We hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year

What an awesome story! Mercy is such a valued partner in our community as well!

Meet Our Team Tammy, Employment Specialist/Database and Records Administrator How long have you worked at Empac?... 2 years What is the most enjoyable part of your job? I enjoy helping an individual find a job that they never thought they could get and watching them succeed. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors. If you could give one piece of advice to a job seeker what would it be? Be patient when looking for a job and the right opportunity will happen when it is meant to be.

Conor and Timmy have been working with the incredible team at Happy Apples this season Happy Apples has been a phenomenal employer to partner with and we are so proud of these boys and their hard work!

Meet Our Team Sara, Transition Services Coordinator How long have you worked for Empac? ... I have worked for Empac since February 2017. What is the most enjoyable part of your job? I work mainly with transition age students. I love watching them learn and grow with first time work experience whether it is through our summer work program or getting a job after graduation. What do you like to do outside of work? I love spending time with family and friends. I have a 2 year old that is so much fun and keeps me very busy . If you could give one piece of advice to a job seeker, what would it be? I would tell someone to be willing to complete the hard, and not always fun work in order to reach an ultimate goal. I would also tell them to seek out their personal support system and don’t be afraid to lean on them.

Our team attended the 2019 MACDDS conference in Columbia, MO this week. We were proud to network, collaborate, and learn with those whose mission is to be in service to others, promoting supports and services for Missourians with developmental disabilities.