With National Disability Employment Awareness Month being observed in October, those in Grundy County who employ persons with disabilities are celebrating their good fortune – while one group is mourning the loss of its program.
Ruth Ebersold, long-time director of the Grundy County Opportunity Center, said the program will close its doors as of Dec. 15. The closure comes after it stopped accepting state funding in 2016 and those involved knew it was just a matter of time before the money used to support the 10 developmentally disabled adults ran out.
“We’re very sad about it,” said Mrs. Ebersold. “We had some resources available, but we knew there was no way that it would be enough to keep us open. Our board had made the decision to do it as long as possible.”
The GCOC provides trained job coaches, life skills support and worthwhile employment for adults with developmental disabilities. She said some of the adults that will lose their jobs could be employed by other businesses if they have the right support.
Hy-Vee Food Store is one of the employers in Grundy County who provides employment for those with developmental disabilities. Store Manager Chad Boyd said the store currently has two developmentally disabled employees, Shelly Leininger, who stocks yogurt, and Lizzie Eller, who works as a carry-out clerk.
“Shelly is in charge of getting empty boxes in the box crusher and most importantly, filling and rotating all yogurt that comes in on our three truck days,” he said. “She has been a Trenton Hy-Vee employee for 31 years. She greets all of our customers and knows many of them by name.”
Lizzie, according to Boyd, can always be counted on for a smile.
“Lizzie is in charge of not only greeting, smiling and thanking each customer – she is the happiest and most positive employee we have – she is also  in charge of the parking lot by keeping trash and leaves cleaned up and keeping carts brought inside. Her smile and positive attitude is contagious with all customers and employees.”
Boyd said the store takes into consideration the special needs Shelly and Lizzie have, by scheduling them for days and shifts that work for them and their families. Boyd said they are set up for success and take their jobs seriously.
“We give them jobs and responsibilities and we trust that each shift they will succeed,” he said. “Both ladies take extreme pride in their work and always give 100 percent effort.”
The Families and Friends of the Developmentally Disabled of Grundy County, which is the county’s Senate Bill 40 entity, operates a 16-passenger mini bus and transports individuals with disabilities to employment at Hope Haven Industries in Chillicothe. Kayla Graham, who serves as the director of FFDD, said the schedules vary based on their needs.
“The bus runs Monday through Friday and allows individuals to work part-time and full-time based on their schedules put in place by the Hope Haven supervisors,” Mrs. Graham explained.
Mrs. Graham said that over the years, many Grundy County employers have reached out to hire those with disabilities.
“Grundy County is a wonderful supporter for employment opportunities and volunteers sites for individuals with disabilities,” she said.
In addition to Hy-Vee and Hope Haven, those she mentioned include the North 65 Center, Trenton R-9 Preschool, Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri, Church Women United, Grundy County Food Pantry and the Trenton Republican-Times.
Those interested in enhancing their workplace by hiring an employee with developmental disabilities may contact Mrs. Graham at 660-359-7556 or Mrs. Ebersold at 660-359-6655.