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The Year InReview The Year InReview The Year InReview The Year InReviewKSI Celebrates 50 Years In BusinessBy Bryan Shupe, Apr. 10, 2012On Tuesday, April 3 Kent-Sussex Industries, Inc.(KSI) celebrated 50 years of providing employmentto individuals with disabilities with their annualopen house event. Members of the Milford communityand surrounding area had the opportunityto tour the facility located on Rehoboth Boulevard.With a record number of visitors in attendance onTuesday, KSI proudly showed off their employees asthey continued to work through another productiveday.KSI is a not for profit vocational rehabilitation organizationwhich serves the residents of Kent andSussex Counties with a focus on creating employmentopportunities to those with disabilities. Thisorganization has spent the past 50 years serving theneeds of disabled individuals but also those of thebusiness community. For each individual, KSI providesencouragement and confidence through vocationalrehabilitation, job development, and training.For the business community KSI has provided contractlabor services since 1977. They currently haveseveral work crews under contract, working withfamiliar businesses such as Arrow Safety, CoastalBrewery, Decal Girl, Dentsply Caulk, Milford LionsClub, Mohawk Electric and Perdue.“The best thing about beinga part of this place is seeingthe pride and satisfactionin what each individualfeels,” commented Directorof Community RelationsAlicia Hollis. “We advocatefor the person, helping themto meet their goals and objectiveswhich carries overand allows those individualsto realize they can advocatefor themselves.”With approximately 300individuals being employedby, or with the help of, KSI there is a myriad of employmentopportunities based on the needs of eachbusiness and the ability of each person. KSI offersthree employment programs, and KSI will supervisethe progress of each employee to help get them acclimatedwith the job and also ensure longevity astime passes.During 2011 KSI provided approximately 113,500trips for disabled employees across the State of Delaware.According to KSI this service saved the State ofof Delaware $4.3 million in transportation costs in2011 while providing transportation during servicehours that occur outside of the State’s service hours.KSI is determined to keep their services availablefor disabled individuals and are looking for supportfrom the State of Delaware for KSI TransportationServices provided to consumers deemed eligible forservices by State agencies.“KSI is about more than just employment,” commentedMs. Hollis. “So much more happens to enrichthe lives of each individual.”