On The Job

VGS Contracts Expanding in 2009

Joe Sherwood — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:45:15 +0000

In 2008, VGS developed and implemented 41 new contracts/programs that provided employment for more than 70 additional full time equivalent (FTE) transitional workers and enabled VGS to serve more than 391 additional consumers. These new programs allow VGS to both refine and expand its mission, provide more real-work experience, on-the-job training and employment slots and, in an ever changing and increasingly difficult economy, solidify the future of our mission. The Staff is encouraged and determined to continue their remarkable track record of continuously improving what they do each day, listening to the needs, wants and desires of the individuals served and finding creative mission-related means to meet and exceed their goals. They work closely, cooperatively and supportively to help maximize VGS’ mission of “preparing people with barriers to employment for a brighter future.”

Despite the troubled economy, VGS continues to find new contracts that enable them to serve individuals with barriers to employment. This year there have already been 11 new contracts/programs that will serve 27 additional FTE’s. The VGS Staff persistently goes after exciting new contracts/programs to bring work for the consumers. There are currently close to 30 additional opportunities that are being considered that would allow over 700 additional consumers annually to be served.

Since 2005, VGS has been the largest provider of custodial services at The Ohio State University. Starting in July, VGS will provide custodial services for 50 buildings and provide employment opportunities for 150 individuals with disabilities. The additional buildings were contracted to VGS because of the superior work that the consumers do at all of the buildings on campus.

Other contracts around Ohio include providing custodial services for buildings at NASA in Brook Park and for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in Columbus. The Power Sewing Operations have several contracts in addition to making the military garments. Quite a few of our contracts have been from entrepreneurs that are in need of quality products and have a passion for helping individuals with disabilities.

VGS’ CARF Review set for august

Joe Sherwood — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:05:23 +0000

Service Providers like VGS, seek accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Accreditation is a process that demonstrates a provider has met standards for the quality of its services. CARF also evaluates how well a provider is serving people and how it can improve. As a step toward accreditation, a provider invites CARF to send a team of professionals, called surveyors, to visit its sites and evaluate its services for quality. Based on the surveyors’ review, the provider may be awarded CARF accreditation for one or three years. Vocational Guidance Services has invited CARF surveyors to evaluate our services again this year. They will be at VGS August 19 – 21, 2009. The surveyors will interview people who use our services, their families, our staff and others. VGS has the honor of being one of the first four Agencies ever accredited by CARF, and is one of only two that have achieved 14 consecutive maximum 3-year accreditation. Our CARF Task Force is capably led by Rick Lakatos who is himself a CARF Surveyor. He is joined by 13 individuals representing each of our Divisions, primary Departments and Major Facilities. Accreditation areas we are contemplating are: Employment Services: Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation, Employee Development Services (Work Adjustment), Skills Training, and Community Employment Services (Placement) – Job Development, Job Training and Job Supports. Community Services: Community Integration. This will be the first year that our Columbus Operations will be surveyed.

Fiesta on 55th Brought Many New Faces and Much Success

Joe Sherwood — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:41:36 +0000

On May 1st, the VGS Training Center turned into a colorful retreat as the Sunbeam Board and VGS Board of Directors hosted Fiesta on 55th. As over 250 guests entered the facility, they were met with margaritas, Mexican treats and the wonderful sounds of The Robert Ocasio Latin Jazz Project.

The evening featured a silent auction with items that included baskets of wine, a Cleveland Indians package and a golf package complete with tickets to the PGA Senior Open. The highlight of the evening was the live auction where guests bid on a week stay in Telluride, Colorado with airfare, a catered dinner for 10 at the Clifton Beach Club, LasikPlus surgery and a Mayfield Sand Ridge Golf package. Local television personality, Laurie Vick, was the hostess for the evening. She talked briefly with Lynnette Grier, a consumer who now works for Food Service, about how VGS has helped her realize her goals of self sufficiency.

The Fiesta was a wonderful opportunity for so many people who have not been introduced to VGS to get a look at what we do. Throughout the night, a video screen showed VGS facts and a terrific photo presentation featuring our consumers.

The Sunbeam Board, along with Emily McCaughlin and Nina Sheffler, Fiesta Co-Chairs, did a tremendous job! Their months of planning and cultivation insured the success of the event. Preliminary results indicate that the Fiesta raised over $30,000 to benefit Vocational Guidance Services.

Pathways II Update and New NASA Contract

Joe Sherwood — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:23:41 +0000

Pathways – We have recently hired Brandon Wray as a new counselor for the Pathways II Program. Brandon started last month and is getting hands on training with the other counselors, Laura Lamb and the RSC Liaison. The counselors operate much like Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and purchase vocational rehabilitation services in accordance with the Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) and consumer choice. Currently, the counselors have an active caseload of 50 individuals with disabilities. This contract runs for one year with the potential of an expansion over the next several years.

We are pleased to say that we are in the final steps of our first three placements for the Pathways II Program. One of the placements is with the new state-of-the-art trash processing facilities at The Cleveland Clinic. Our consumer fills large cages with the Clinic’s trash and then places the cages on railing in the central depot where the robot lifts the cages and takes it to the final destination. We are extremely proud to be a part of this first of a kind project.

NASA – There is a Federal law that states that any company that does work for the Federal Government, their
staff must be comprised of at least 10% of people with disabilities. The existing contractor for custodial services
at NASA sought to achieve compliance with this law by working with VGS. They sub-contracted with
VGS to provide custodial services for two buildings on the NASA campus. We have six (6) full time equivalent
employees providing basic custodial services for the two buildings. This is an annual contract and has the
possibility to grow.

VGS wins 2008 Dominion Community Impact Award

Joe Sherwood — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:36:24 +0000

Vocational Guidance Services was awarded the 2008 Dominion Community Impact Award at the awards luncheon held the first week in March. As one of 13 recipients of this year’s award, VGS was presented with a beautiful handmade glass award and a check for $7,000. The winners were also featured in the March 2009 Inside Business Magazine. The luncheon, held at Stage’s at The Cleveland Playhouse, was attended by VGS Board Chair, Tom Hopkins, Jim Hudak, Dan Nelson, Tammy Peterson and VGS’ President & CEO, Bob Comben. Tom and Bob accepted the award and Bob was able to say a few words on behalf of VGS and the Food Packaging and Production Program. It was a terrific event and we are honored to receive this award along with such other deserving organizations.

VGS Consumers Successful in Hard Economy

Joe Sherwood — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:19:54 +0000

Vocational Guidance Services (VGS) is now in its third century of providing high quality services for NE Ohio Residents with disabilities. State funding issues have, in recent months, placed significant challenges before the entire vocational rehabilitation community. However, the needs of our consumer have not changed. VGS has responded, and will continue to respond, with creative and innovative approaches to meet these needs. The continued strengthening of our partnership is central to the sustained success of our organizations. Below are a few examples of the successful placements we have had over the past year.

The Custodial Skills Training Program is designed to provide articipants with training recognized by current and industry standards preparing them for entry-level custodial positions. Our workers have completed a seven-week, allinclusive custodial training course that is certified by International Executive Housekeeping ssociation.

Eual T. – Referred by Jack Hoenich at BVSI. Eual successfully completed the seven-week Custodial Skills Training Program with Instructor Pat Congemi. He was then referred to VGS Placement Services and was hired as the Lead Night Custodian for the VGS Training Center building at $8/hr. He is responsible for all areas of cleaning, the other cleaning staff, and also he security of the building when closing up.

The Food Service Training Program classroom and hands-on training in VGS’ Guidance Grill, a full service cafeteria. Students are trained in every aspect of the kitchen and receive training to complete the ServSafe Certification, a nationally recognized certification in the food service industry.

Paul B. was referred to VGS by William Howe. He completed the Food Service Training Program, received his ServSafe certification and was referred to Job Search Skills Training and Placement Services. Paul was hired at Lake Erie College as a Prep Cook and has been working for about one and a half years.

Customer Service Representative Training Program shows our students how to provide professional, effective and efficient customer service. This program familiarizes our students with customer service terminology, standards and expectations. Our graduates leave with the tools they need to find, keep and excel at a satisfying career that promises to grow in scope and potential.

Willie B. was referred to VGS by Marcia Owens. He was enrolled in the Customer Service Representative Training Program and then he was sent to Placement Services and worked with VGS Counselor Johanna Foss. Willie is now employed with United Parking.