MANSFIELD, Ohio — Sean Conrad says it’s a privilege to have a job.
“It doesn’t really matter where I work, as long as I’m working,” the 22-year-old said.
The Mansfield resident is a shift leader at City Garden Cafe. In that role, he handles the cash register and helps prepare food, among a variety of duties.
For his outstanding work performance, Conrad, Frank Soria and Sean Stichler, were chosen 2015 Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. (RNI) Employees of the Year.
The trio was recognized Thursday morning during the RNI Employer Recognition Breakfast at Mansfield’s Holiday Inn.
Soria is employed at RNI’s Fourth Street location, completing subcontract work for businesses like MTD, Richland Screw and Hyundai Ideal Electric. He also works at the Therm-O-Disc enclave location and at Element of Art Studio/Gallery in downtown Mansfield as a contracted artist.
Stichler has a job at RNI’s facility, 971 W. Longview Ave. He came to Richland Newhope after completing Project SEARCH.
In addition to recognizing the three employees of the year, the breakfast served as an opportunity to pay tribute to the 147 area businesses who employ individuals with developmental disabilities from Richland Newhope’s adult services program and contract with RNI.
Winchester Terrace, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, was selected the 2015 Community Employer of the Year.
Winchester employs four individuals supported by Richland Newhope and serves as a community job readiness training site. Those individuals are supported by Richland Newhope and work throughout the week with a trainer, learning valuable skills that can be used in a job in the community.
Warren Rupp, Inc. was named the 2015 Industrial Employer of the Year.
Warren Rupp has contracted with RNI to regularly ship 33 styles of crating components and four varied lengths of heat-treated lumber used in the final packaging and shipping of their various products.
Craig Weber served as the event’s featured speaker. The Ashland County native shared stories from his professional boxing career. He was the 11th-ranked fighter in the world in the super lightweight and welterweight divisions.
He also talked about his current role as baseball coach for children with special needs.
“It really touches me to be able to do something with these kids,” he said.
Of the nearly 600 individuals supported by Richland Newhope, 300 are RNI employees, said Amanda South, director of Adult Services at Richland Newhope.
“In addition to the many employment programs that we offer, we also support people to connect with others throughout Richland County by offering community-integrated involvement opportunities, she said.
“And none of these opportunities would be possible without the support of our community, including the nearly 150 employers that support people with disabilities to be a part of their community.”
Ashli White, who works as an administrative assistant at RNI’s Fourth Street facility and at TJ Maxx, expressed her gratitude for the employers’ support.
“By hiring people like me, you have made it possible for us to live our dreams and enhance our lives. Before I started working, I spent most of my time alone in my room at home. Now, three years later, here I am with a very active social life and many new friends. I have even started speaking at public engagements, she said.
“I truly believe without the help of the Community Services Department at Richland Newhope and companies such as yours, my life would be very different.”
