By Rick Cordes
Staff Writer
Three Rivers Commercial News
April 12, 2006
STURGIS - A handful of envelopes, each containing a check, is proof positive that a Co-op can provide employment and jobs skills to disabled area citizens.
The paychecks were delivered Monday to members of the St. Joseph Community Co-op at their new facility at 403 S. Jefferson Street in Sturgis. Over thirty members currently work up to 24 hours a week there doing a variety of tasks.
The St. Joseph Community Co-op is the successor to the defunct Hope Network South's Arch Workshop, which ceased operation on Feb. 10.
"What we're trying to accomplish is to help people develop skills, such as how to attend to a task, learning to work with others, and to learn multiple assembly steps," said Tim Carmichael, Founder and CFO of GT Independence, fiscal intermediary for the Co-op.
Co-op members currently are packaging bandages, affixing ties to wiring harnesses and shredding massive volumes of papers in their workplace. Additionally they are available for hire for tasks such as lawn clean up, house cleaning, and other manual chores.
"Our goal is to elevate their skill sets (so they can) work in the community," Carmichael said.
Following the cessation of operations at Arch, a group of community members convened to attempt to address expectations held by the Community Mental Health for its clients.
Carmichael said the group felt they could improve the services offered to clients. The consensus was "let's get this going," but without seekign to own a business. The concept of a Co-op evolved, one that would be run like a business with a building, working capital, and jobs to do.
Don Frost of LTI Printing, Inc., offered space in a building for $1 a month, Midwest Tool and Cutlery offered a discounted line of wrenches to sell for capital, and Precision Manufactured Products offered work for Co-op members. A full time marketing director was employed, and the Co-op was ready for business.
The Co-op concept is part of a national trend to give disabled individuals empowerment to make decisions for their lives, Carmichael said. Co-op members take an active role in business decisions, and share in the profits of the enterprise. GuardianTrac, as fiscal intermediary, manages finances, reporting to Co-op members, other stakeholders and Community Mental Health.
A board of directors provides Co-op governance. David Smith is Executive Director (currently convalescing from knee surgery) and on-site supervision is provided by Ray and Shelley, assisted by job coaches Jennifer and Lisa. Kyle Bonnin is marketing director.
"Ray and Shelley know these employees and have a real compassion for them," Carmichael said.
"These are some of the finest employees in the state," Carmichael said of the Co-op members. "They're task oriented, have a high success rate and like to work. They're excellent employees."
Carmichael hopes the Co-op employee roles will climb to 40 members by April's end. He's also hopeful that there will be a Co-op presence in Three Rivers soon.
For information on how to employ Co-op members phone (269) 659-4525.
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