Gateway Services is promoting its community workers this month

PRINCETON — October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Gateway Services is promoting the importance of providing opportunities in the workforce for disabled individuals.

Before individuals were given the opportunity to work in the community, they worked in the shops at Gateway where they were paid a lower wage and spent little time with others.

In 1997, the shops were closed and Gateway Services began focusing on ways for individuals to get jobs in the community through its Community Employment Services program.

Over the years, the program has improved and continues to serve individuals and employers throughout the region Gateway serves, which includes Bureau, Putnam and Marshall counties.

One of the employers in the program is Casey’s General Store in Ladd.

Jerri Neuhalfen, store manager, has hired individuals who have played key roles at the store.

“It’s no different than hiring any other individual. They are brought into Casey’s as a regular employee. They make the same amount and don’t get any pay cuts — that’s important to know,” she said.

Neuhalfen’s newest hire is Mariah Pouk of Spring Valley. She’s worked at Casey’s for about a month and a half now. Her job tasks include cleaning and stocking the shelves.

Pouk said the job gets her out of the house and gives her something to do. Plus, she likes seeing people at the store. Before her job opportunity at Casey’s, Pouk’s only experience in the community included volunteer work.

This opportunity at Casey’s has given her more responsibility, independence, experience and has allowed her to earn a paycheck while doing it.

“(Mariah) is always laughing. She finds the funny in everything. She’s willing to do and try everything, but she tells you when she’s not comfortable with something,” Neuhalfen said.

To ensure employees succeed thought the employment program, Michael Brown, community employment services supervisor, works with the employer and employee to ensure the job is getting done correctly and the work quality is worth it to the employer.

Neuhalfen said she doesn’t know why a company wouldn’t get involved with this program through Gateway Services.

“(The individuals) need to get out in the world and prove themselves and if somebody doesn’t give them an opportunity, nobody will,” she said. “They would love to go and earn a few dollars to get experience doing something. You might find out that they excel so much better at one job aspect and it would blow your mind. I’ve seen that. We don’t give them enough credit and we really need to.”

Because of the pandemic this year, Tracy Wright, CEO of Gateway Services, is working on creative ways to celebrate workers with disabilities and the employers who have partnered with the Community Employment Services program.

“Gateway Services is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” Wright said. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, especially those of individuals with disabilities.”

Employers in all industries can learn more about how to get involved with this program by contacting Brown at 815-875-4548.

To learn more history about the employment program through Gateway Services, follow them on Facebook and watch for posts throughout the month.