The Heart of Positive Change: Staffing Your Business with WACOSA

WACOSA is a non-profit organization that was initially started by parents to support their children. Today, WACOSA serves over 575 adults with disabilities in central MN. Our mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community.

Since we began our work, we have noticed that some businesses can be reluctant to hire people with disabilities. Some may be worried about changes and liabilities that they think will come with hiring a person with disabilities. These worries are usually rooted in inexperience—hiring a person with disabilities is not unlike hiring any new employee. There will be an adjustment period, but it doesn’t last long.  

Some common concerns businesses have about hiring employees with disabilities (and reasons why hiring them is beneficial) are listed below:

Concern: My insurance rates will go up.

Many businesses have concerns that if they hire someone with a disability their insurance costs will go up. A survey of human resource managers by Cornell University has proven that companies’ health, life, and disability insurance costs actually rarely go up as a result of hiring people with disabilities.

Concern: How will hiring an employee with disabilities affect other employees?

Hiring a new employee and wondering if they will fit in or get along with the others is always a concern. It might be uncomfortable at first depending upon your current workers’ experience in socializing with people with disabilities, but it usually doesn’t last very long.  It actually has been reported that current employees work harder and are more productive after having people with disabilities in their work environment. There really is no difference in how you would communicate with a person with a disability. The reality is that the person with a disability wants to have the same conversations and be treated the same as every other employee.

Concern: What if it doesn’t work out?

It is never easy to terminate an employee, especially if the employee has a disability. If a person with a disability starts to experience problems down the road, an employer shouldn’t fear termination. If the employee isn’t able to do the work or make corrections to their performance, it is within your rights to terminate the employee, just as you would with anyone else.

Conclusion: Be the heart of positive change

Companies can make a real difference in the lives of others simply by giving them the chance to work. Be the leader who sincerely makes an effort to help a person with a disability. By doing so, you are not only assisting them in creating a better life, but you are also instigating change.

If you are interested in making a positive change in your workforce, WACOSA offers a great program called Staffing Your Business. We work with our clients and your business to find the best match for your job opening. We are committed to the highest standards in job training, coaching, and support for the individuals we train, providing a workforce you can truly rely on.  Take theses concerns and tips into consideration during your next hiring process and be the heart of positive change.

Exercising With A Disability

Physical exercise is essential for staying healthy, fit and strong. This is especially the case as we age and when living with a disability. Adults with disabilities are three times as likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, and cancer as adults without disabilities. Aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities can reduce the impact or even prevent these chronic diseases and promote a healthier, more mobile lifestyle.

Aerobic Activities
Aerobic activity is something every adult should do on a regular basis. Aerobic exercise can increase the efficiency of the respiration system, improve circulation and cardiovascular efficiency, improve motor coordination, and decrease the risk of developing artery disease, cancer, and diabetes. Aerobic activity has the added benefits of decreasing anxiety and stress and improving emotional health.

Doctors recommend either 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. Alternatively, you can do a mix of moderate and vigorous aerobic intensity.

Moderate-intensity aerobic activity can include brisk walking, hiking, wheeling independently in a wheelchair, ballroom dancing, and aquatic therapy.

Vigorous activity can include jogging, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair volleyball, or wheelchair tennis. Vigorous-intensity activities to get you outside can include cross-country or downhill skiing, water aerobics, and horseback riding.

Muscle-Strengthening Activities
Gaining muscular strength isn’t just for gym rats and bodybuilders. Having muscular strength means having higher muscle mass and higher amounts of energy that can make your body stronger and healthier. Muscular strength also benefits your overall health and can aid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.

Doctors recommend working on muscle strengthening exercises that target your major muscle groups at least twice a week.

Muscle-strengthening exercises include working with resistance bands or engaging in adapted yoga classes. Check out this comprehensive list of seated-position exercises for strength training with a disability from Sparkpeople.com.

Physical activity is important for every adult to engage in, and it’s essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consult with a doctor for recommendations on physical activities. Doctors can help recommend activities based on ability, desired intensity levels, frequency, and which activities you enjoy and want to explore. Most importantly, have fun with it!

5 Services Your Donations Support at WACOSA

Your donations to WACOSA help support and make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities, but have you ever wondered how? Your donations are greatly appreciated and make it possible for us to support our WACOSA clients with various services. These are just a few:

1. Activity Books

A $50 donation will provide one set of assorted activity books. Included in the set is four books, each with a different theme of puzzles, games, and trivia. Instead of having information read to them, our clients love to learn with activities like crossword puzzles and trivia questions.

2. Chairs

A $90 donation provides one chair for the WACOSA Senior Program at the Whitney Senior Center in St. Cloud. These chairs are made with sturdy metal and vinyl upholstery. Plus, they are very comfortable and easy to clean. These chairs are great for our seniors when they need to sit or stand.

3. Speaker System Upgrade

A $300 donation will help us to get one iPod to update the speaker system at our Waite Park site. Right now, we are in need of an iPod for each of the three program areas.

4. Refrigerator

A $500 donation will supply us with one under the counter refrigerator unit. This will help to improve meal preparation. Along with this, it will help improve our clients medication administration.

5. Washing Machine or Dryer

A $1,000 donation allows us to purchase one commercial grade washing machine or dryer for our Sauk Centre site. This is used to wash and dry materials used by the Can Do! Cleaning Crews. Since the crews are cleaning at various local businesses, more than 550 towels and 25 mop heads are washed every day.

Through your generous donations, you make WACOSA’s mission possible - to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community. We are in need of multiples of almost every items. To learn more about how you can help, visit our donation page.

Spotlight on Sauk Centre

Providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community is exactly what WACOSA’s mission is all about. WACOSA has two locations - one in Waite Park and one in Sauk Centre. Our Sauk Centre location provides many services to the community, including contract packaging and assembly work, “Can-do” Crews, and business staffing.

The first Business Solution offered at WACOSA’s Sauk Centre location is contract packaging and assembly work. Our sales and production staff strive to have a complete understanding of your project, whatever you needs happen to be. Some services include inventory control, pre-operational checklists and training, re-work, and quality checking. Outsourcing to WACOSA can benefit your company in many ways; cutting your costs, boosting your revenue, easing labour shortages and much more.

Our “Can Do” Crews are another option to help your local businesses. Our crews consist of five to seven people and we offer cleaning services, product tear-down, assembly, packaging, labelling, and quality checking and re-work. With a 97% satisfaction rating, it’s easy to see why our “Can Do” Crews are so popular around the St. Cloud region.

Staffing your business is another service of WACOSA’s Sauk Centre location. When set to staff your business, we are committed to the highest standards in job training, coaching, and support. We work diligently with each client to get teams trained until they feel comfortable to produce their own work. We also find it important to have follow-ups with our staffing clients to keep in touch and ensure success within their business.

Although Sauk Centre does not have a thrift store, we do still accept donations at the location. Docu-Shred is also only available at the Waite Park Location, but the Waite Park location works with customers at Sauk Centre to shred their documents.

Our vision at WACOSA is that individuals of all abilities are empowered to reach their full potential. Our vision is made possible through the array of services we offer the community. To get updates about WACOSA, like us on Facebook.

A Man We Should All Look Up To

Kris was born to inspire. His journey began when he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy - a condition that brings many unique challenges to the people it touches. Although this disease brings many challenges, Kris refuses to let it stand in his way of making an impact on those around him.  

Kris Bartz, a positive, and determined young man, was one of four recipients of the 2015 Inspiration Awards given out by the Disability Awareness Task Force. Nominees are not given this award because they have a disability but because they inspire and give back to the community.

He attended the Occupational Skills program at Brainerd Central Lakes proving that hard work and dedication brings success. During his experience at OSP, Kris discovered his passion of working in a nursing home setting. His sense of humor and loving heart has a positive impact on the elderly.

Kris diligently worked through his CNA training program to help make his dreams become a reality. Although he faced many obstacles along the way, he surpassed some negative beliefs of his capability by receiving his CNA certification. Kris has time and time again proved his drive and passion in caring for others.

Kris was a referral to WACOSA from vocational rehab and we helped him use his many talents to find a job at Sterling Park. He works as a full-time 2nd shift CNA assisting residents with activities, meal times, and getting residents ready for bed.

Kris opens up his heart to whomever he meets. He has a contagious smile that never fails to brighten his patients day. He strives to let people know that they matter, that their lives are important, that he always has time to help and visit with them. He wants to make an impact on those around him, and he does!

But Kris doesn’t stop here - he is involved with Special Olympics competing in bowling and track. He also dedicates his time as a global messenger, speaking out on behalf of those with disabilities.

His generous heart is inspiring to us all. It takes a kind and loving person to receive such a fitting award - Kris is a man we should all look up to!

The Benefits of Volunteering

Some say the greatest gift you can give a person is your time. In today’s fast paced society, time is of the essence and is greatly valued when it is freely offered. These days, a person’s time is very valuable. With the average American working nearly 47 hours per week, there is rarely extra time in one’s day. This is troubling for businesses and nonprofits who are looking for volunteers. Here are some reasons why offering your time and volunteering for WACOSA can be beneficial:

Increases Self Confidence and Overall Happiness

Volunteering allows people the opportunity to change lives directly. At WACOSA, we offer many volunteer opportunities that allow you to interact and help others directly. One of these opportunities includes a wellness specialist. In this position, you get to help people learn various healthy living skills including yoga, aerobics, walking and meditation as well as healthy eating skills. This in-turn can be very beneficial to the volunteer because you are directly affecting someone’s life. You are seeing the results and the effect you are causing; which can increase your self-confidence and overall happiness.

 

Fulfillment

Overall, the biggest benefit of volunteering has to be the overall fulfillment of helping others. Since the beginning of time, humans have always had a relenting passion to help one another. It is at the core of our being and it is natural to want to help. That is why when we do volunteer, we receive a sense of gratification and fulfillment. And that is something money cannot buy.

Connections

Often times people shy away from volunteering because there is no compensation. While there is no pay, volunteering can still assist you in advancing your career. It allows you to get out and connect with people and is a great addition to your resume. For instance, someone who is looking to become an event planner may want to volunteer in our special event support position. This opportunity would look great on a resume, and it would allow you to meet others who can help you reach your ultimate goal of starting your career.

At WACOSA we are always looking for volunteers, and we have a wide range of opportunities. For more information on WACOSA’s volunteer positions, visit our website.

WACOSA Success Stories

Over the years, WACOSA has provided community members with disabilities the opportunity for growth and success. There have been many who have greatly benefited from WACOSA’s services and are in a better place today because of the help they were given. What you are about to read are two real-life WACOSA success stories. Each story displays remarkable growth and shows how WACOSA has helped each individual live a successful life.

Our first story features a man named Kris. Once struggling with mobility due to weight, Kris says he can now stand and move around while working all day long. Before coming to WACOSA, Kris says he used to sit at home and eat snacks. Support provided by WACOSA has not only helped motivate Kris to lose weight, but also increased his quality of life by building self-esteem through meaningful work and a steady paycheck.

The Senior Services Program is another benefit WACOSA supplies to adults with disabilities in the community. Hosted in the Whitney Center in St. Cloud, WACOSA Seniors have the opportunity to connect with other seniors in the community. One of our oldest clients, Kathy, continues to engage in activities that keep her body active and mind sharp. By participating in the senior program, Kathy finds great satisfaction working with crafts, writing and going on outings with her peers, as well as volunteering in her community. All the while, Kathy keeps her independence and stays active, which greatly improves her quality of life.

These stories truly embody what we are all about. They give us reason and remind us why we started WACOSA in the first place: to ensure that all individuals have equal rights and opportunities.

Spotlight: Steve Howard

Since 1963, WACOSA has set clear goals by providing successful and progressive services for individuals with disabilities. Always ready to take the next step, WACOSA recently adopted “The WACOSA Way,” a philosophy that delves deeper into what we believe in and wish to develop in the coming years.

One of the many leading the way is Steve Howard, our Executive Director. As with the entire WACOSA organization, Steve’s passion lies in helping adults with disabilities improve their quality of life, and aims to build the community engagement necessary to successfully meet that goal.

Devoted to equality, compassion, and respect, Steve is an ideal leader for WACOSA. Among his many superpowers is his ability to write. In the company’s quarterly newsletter, a message from Steve is almost always published, featuring our newest and most innovative approaches to equality for individuals with disabilities.

A dedicated dreamer, Steve’s letters strive to inspire those who work with persons with special needs in some way, shape, or form in order to help individuals with disabilities accomplish the equality they deserve. In his most recent letter, Steve wrote about the American Dream, and its meaning for those with disabilities:

“Regardless of ability level, individuals with disabilities often carry the same dreams for their work lives as all Americans: to be contributing members of society. In 28 years in the field of Human Services, I have time and again found the concept of work to be universally important to those we serve, the size of the paycheck meaning less than the honor of being part of the American workforce.”

True to his words, Steve is honored to be a part of WACOSA, and believes in staying true to WACOSA’s life-enriching initiatives for those with disabilities. Visit our website for more information on WACOSA.

AgVenture Gives!

Watkins Farming Company Will Donate $500 to Local Charities

 AgVenture focuses on providing exceptional value and service to their customers. Their main goal is to deliver a superior service to customers in all areas of the farming enterprise. AgVenture believes in doing the right thing and to maintain high moral standards even if it may compromise short-term profitability. They are also willing to be sufficiently creative and flexible and, at the core, always operate under a high moral, ethical and legal standard.

 Sandy Hansen, owner of AgVenture Feed and Seed Inc, sees beyond the bottom line and is always mindful of the needs of her community. For her, a successful business is one that gives back to its customers, its employees, and its community. Sandy’s goal is to give ten percent of the company’s net profits away each year to various needs and causes.

Hansen's “pay it forward” state of mind contributed to the birth of a charitable Facebook contest. AgVenture will give back by donating $250 to the two charities who receive the most votes by December 22nd, 2013. Anyone who has a Facebook profile can vote once per day.

By voting for WACOSA, you are supporting our mission: provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their communities. We want individuals of all abilities to reach their full potential. We would greatly appreciate it if you took a few seconds out of your day to vote for WACOSA. Thank you for your help.

WACOSA

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