Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. honors local businesses, employees

MANSFIELD — Richland Newhope Industries (RNI) has announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.

The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity.”

“Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”

RNI is saluting 218 area employers during Disability Employment Awareness Month. Businesses that employ individuals with developmental disabilities supported by RNI and those companies that contract with RNI.

RNI’s Community Employment department provided employment services to more than 275 individuals throughout the year who were interested in obtaining employment in the community throughout nine counties. These services include job placement, Project SEARCH, job tryouts, assessments, and Summer Youth Foundation Services. Summer Youth Foundation services was a five week interactive online program this past summer due to COVID restrictions. During the five week program youth learned about a variety of job and past secondary opportunities available within their communities, self-advocacy, and career exploration,

Outback of Mansfield has been named as the 2020 Community Employer of the Year for the Richland area by RNI. Outback has not only been a community employer, but has assisted RNI by hosting short term training opportunities for both area school age youth and adults. Outback began a relationship with RNI in 2014 and currently employs three (3) employees placed and trained by RNI.

Throughout this partnership Outback and their staff have been supportive of the vision of RNI, supporting persons with developmental disabilities to be a valued part of their community. Through employment, Outback has facilitated persons with disabilities to realize their goals of employment in the local food service industry.

Milark Industries has been named as the 2020 Industrial Employer of the Year for both the Richland and Crawford County locations. Milark Industries began working with RNI in 2004 and RNI greatly values this relationship. RNI assembles various styles of pallets for Milark Industries, shipping pallets multiple times per month.

Staff at Milark Industries and RNI work close together to ensure Milark’s needs are met. The work opportunities from Milark Industries allowed over 30 individuals with developmental disabilities to increase their skills all while earning a paycheck this past year. RNI congratulates Milark Industries on being the Industrial Employer of the Year in 2020 and looks forward to working with them for many more years to come!

RNI’s 2020 Community-Based Employee of the Year for Richland is Marsha Burger of Mansfield. Marsha has been a valued employee of Winchester Terrace Nursing Home for the past six years. Marsha works in the dietary department and has worked throughout the COVID 19 pandemic, as an essential employee, to ensure that the residents have healthy and safe meals at their home. Marsha is dedicated to her work and has added additional duties throughout the pandemic.

Luke Trieber has been named the Business Development 2020 Employee of the Year for Richland. Luke works as a team member on the RNI Lawn crew. Luke is recognized for his is an integral part of the lawn crew team and his willingness to jump in and help get the job done. Luke is known for his excellent attendance and punctuality. Luke approaches his work and coworkers daily with a positivity. Luke is a leader on the team and assists newer crew members learn the ropes.

Daniel Luster has been named the Facility-Based Employee of the Year for RNI in Richland County. Daniel has worked his way up to being one of the most valued members of the team at RNI’s Document Imaging department. Daniel works relentlessly from the moment he arrives and continues during the day working on all the various jobs in the department, which includes scanning, microfilming, prep work or any other task that needs completed. Daniel does a great job at quality control and is very conscientious about his work, being pro-active and bringing potential issues to his supervisor’s attention.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages – during October and throughout the year – by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.

Established in 1963, the non-profit Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. provides services and supports for community employment, industrial services at five production sites, personal and social services, recreational services, and options for seniors.

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For more information, contact Amanda South, Executive Director, at 419-774-4412 or Ann Ahlers Cole, Manager of Community Employment at 419-747-3308