Participant Programs 

Hope Industries

Hope Industries provides packaging and other services to business and industry. Participants assemble various cardboard displays for businesses, as well as trays for team jobs. Participants complete packaging of items as well. This includes blistering and bagging, as well as sealing various items. Participants label bags, newsletters, boxes and containers. There is also inspection and sorting completed on various items. Participants work in a fully-equipped subcontracting workshop which includes weigh count scales, limited shrink wrapping capability, blister packaging machines, forklifts, pallet trucks and compressed air.

Our facility is comprised of a 15,000 square foot building with a 2,000 square foot warehouse. There is also a loading dock that will fit our 20-foot enclosed truck during the unloading of material. All goods are insured, and all supervisors are experienced with the limitations of the participants, as well as the type of work completed in Hope Industries. Job skills training is provided for each worker. Compensation is based on industry standards.

Our Job Procurement Specialist provides competitive quotes to any business that needs solutions to production problems such as manufacture overload, short-run jobs or space limitations. For more information about Hope Industries, please visit our web site at: www. hopeindustries.biz .

Workshop

Participants in Workshop receive intensive skills training to prepare them for employment. Wages are paid for work completed.

Workshop provides an opportunity for participants to receive more staff attention than in Hope Industries, have behavioral and medical issues monitored and work in a smaller, less distracting work area.

Specialized Production

This area has been established to provide people who need a quiet, structured environment a place to use their abilities. Subcontract work, skills training and other specialized activities are available. For most people in this program, this is their first experience of earning a paycheck. Each individual can choose the kind of work they do.

Vocational Development

People with severe/profound disabilities have Individual Service Plans which include their choice of Services and Training Involvement such as:

• physical therapy and range of motion exercise
• integrated community outings
• sensory integration
• paid employment

Plus, their choice of training options such as:

• life skills training
• work training
• communication skills
• assistive technology

The Sensory Room provides participants with activities that enhance sensory organization. Goals are to increase sensory awareness, sensory organization, motor planning and participation in ongoing programs. Staff work with a therapist to implement individual programs.

Ceramics

The Ceramics department makes seasonal ceramic items. These items are sold in our gift shop, at craft fairs and to local florist and gift shops. Participants are involved in all areas of activities, which include pouring molds and cleaning greenware to painting, glazing and packaging. Many participants choose to participate in Ceramics part-time, which gives them an opportunity to express themselves in a creative medium. Each Christmas, the Center creates a special commemorative ornament that has quickly become a favorite item with customers.

Moments Remembered

Moments Remembered produces dried floral wreaths, baskets and vases to order. Customers contribute fresh floral tributes from a significant occasion such as a wedding, christening, birthday or funeral. Moments Remembered employees pull the flowers and prepare them for drying. When dry, the flowers are prepared and the final wreath is assembled and collected by the customer. There are 13 steps from start to finish. When the flowers are received, they are pulled by color and type. They are then given to participants who will trim the stems and secure them with rubber bands. They are put on a drying rack with the customer’s name, the date and their order. When the flowers are dried, they are broken down to one inch lengths. Then they get put in a bin with the same tag. The next step is to attach a metal pick to the stem. This is done on the pick machine. The next step is to prepare the straw wreaths. Each wreath has a wire loop attached, and then six wires are attached around the wreath for stability. Moss is applied to the wired wreaths and is held in place with pins. The wreaths are then assembled and are ready to be picked up.

Community Employment Services

For people who choose supportive community employment as their vocational goal, the Center offers comprehensive training and support. Job Class prepares participants with basic job seeking and interviewing skills. Job Coaches provide individual support for as long as needed. Transportation to and from work is provided. Community Employment staff work with local employers to find employment opportunities for participants. Employers are frequently quite pleased with the “bottom line” benefits they gain by hiring participants.

Volunteer Center

The Volunteer Center is our newest department. The participants who want to can give back to the community through volunteer efforts. We are currently contacting agencies in the community and offering our services to provide volunteer opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Volunteering offers social growth and promotes self-confidence as barriers are broken down and doors are opened for participants to be involved in activities other than employment. The 30 initial agencies that have been contacted have been very helpful and positive about our involvement in their efforts to help the community. We already have had three projects since we began, which areadopting Collins Park, helping the Carpenters Place with a shoe drive for the homeless and helping serve brats at Cub Foods for Winnebago County Clean and Beautiful. The Volunteer group is very excited to become increasingly involved in the community and welcomes your ideas for short-term volunteer projects. For more information, contact Pam Sondell, Volunteer Center Coordinator, at 316-8377.

Education and TrainingCenter

Individuals have the opportunity to experience a variety of educational units including but not limited to the following:

• Computer class
• Communication/Sign Language
• Rights and Advocacy Group
• Sewing/Quilting
• Job class/Job Support
• Gardening
• Current Events
• Reading
• Arts and Crafts
• Nutrition/Exercise
• Cooking and Music

Different classes are available on a daily basis and presented by staff having prior training and/or expertise in these areas. Subject matter is geared to those areas that will allow the individual to function more independently in his/her home and community. Classes are also opportunities to socialize and have fun!

Training Opportunities

Throughout the building, individuals have the opportunity to experience a variety training opportunities, including but not limited to the following:

• Social Interaction
• Communication Skills
• Adaptive Daily Living Skills
• Sensory Integration
• Physical Therapy/Range of Motion
• Functional Work Skills
• Job Class
• Wreath Production
• Shredding Skills
• Packaging/Assembly
• Independent Living Skills
• Human Sexuality
• Community Orientation
• Personal Safety Skills
• Vocational Education Classes
• Ceramics Training
• Seniors Group
• Formal Behavior Plan