MANSFIELD — Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. (RNI, Inc) is saluting 203 area employers during Disability Employment Awareness Month. Businesses that employ individuals with developmental disabilities supported by RNI.
Those companies that contract with RNI, Inc. were recognized during the annual Employer Recognition Breakfast on Friday Nov. 2 at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield. The event attracted nearly 300 people.
For the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2018, a total of 418 individuals earned paychecks with wages totaling $616,000. RNI, Inc.’s Community Services also provided employment services to more than 250 individuals throughout the year who are interested in obtaining employment in the community.
These services include job placement, Project SEARCH, job tryouts and assessments, driver’s permit training, employability classes, Summer Youth Career Exploration, and the Summer Training Employment Program (SYWE). Summer Youth Career Exploration is a summer program that allows youths to explore their interests and visit area employers to see jobs up close.
SYWE is a five-week paid summer work program for youth who are transitioning into the world of employment. Forty five (45) students and thirty five (35) employers participated in the Summer Youth Career Exploration and SYWE programs this past summer.
In December 2018, Element of Art Studio/Gallery in downtown Mansfield will be celebrating its ninth anniversary. The studio currently has more than 90 contracted artists who create, display, and sell their unique beautiful art pieces at the gallery. The City Garden Café opened in January of 2014 on the 3rd floor of the Mansfield Municipal Building.
A partnership between the City of Mansfield and RNI, Inc., the City Garden Café provides training opportunities in food service to the employees.
Major Metals Company has been named as the 2018 Community Employer of the Year by RNI, Inc.. Major Metals Company began a relationship in 2017 and currently employs 3 employees placed and trained by RNI, Inc. Throughout this partnership Major Metals Company and their staff have been supportive of the vision of RNI, Inc. of persons with developmental disabilities being a valued part of their community.
Major Metals Company through employment has facilitated persons with disabilities realizing their goals of employment in the local manufacturing industry.
School Specialty has been named as the 2018 Industrial Employer of the Year.
School Specialty first began working with RNI, Inc. in August, 2004, packaging educational kits. RNI, Inc. greatly values the relationship with School Specialty and is looking forward to the relationship growing. The work opportunities from School Specialty allow over 200 individuals with developmental disabilities to work on increasing their skills and earn a paycheck throughout the year.
The community-based Employee of the Year is Scott Weikle of Mansfield. He is currently employed at the Major Metals Company. Scott has become a valued and dedicated employee at Major Metals Company. His supervisor describes him as hard working and dependable. Scott always has a smile on his face and will do whatever is asked of him. When he is not working Scott enjoys being involved with Special Olympics.
Sean Stichler of Mansfield has been named Business Development Employee of the Year. Sean is a very hard worker and works with a crew that cleans the municipal building nightly. He has a great work ethic and is a true team player. Sean is role model and leader to his coworkers. In his free time Sean enjoys working outside with his grandfather, spending time with his family, listening to music, and watching videos on YouTube.
Dottie Cains has been named the Facility Based Employee of the Year. Dottie’s supervisors describe her as caring, respectful and hardworking. Dottie works on all production at RNI, Inc’s Fourth Street location and is a contracted artist at the Element of Art in the carousel district of Mansfield. Dottie also works at the City Garden Café and is a wonderful addition to the cafe team.
When Dottie is not working she enjoys attending church, eating out, shopping, and recently took her first plane ride on her vacation to Orlando, Florida.
This year’s featured speakers at the Employer Recognition Breakfast were Kevin Click of MTD, Cathy Walters of Winchester Terrace Nursing Home, and Sam Mason of Major Metals Company. Each speaker recounted their experience with employing individuals with disabilities at their business.
Established in 1963, the non-profit RNI, Inc. provides services and supports for community employment, industrial services at five production sites, personal and social services, recreational services, and options for seniors.
