Mid Rivers Newsmagazine 11-18-20

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24 I November 18, 2020 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE Ngozidilenna Wilkins, MD FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN Schedule today: 636.336.1251 @MIDRIVERSNEWS MIDRIVERSNEWSMAGAZINE.COM TRADES TRAINING Unique partnership provides employment path for people with disabilities Dr. Wilkins is a boardcertified Family Medicine physician. Patients ages two and above can visit Dr. Wilkins for primary care and preventative health needs, including annual wellness exams, well-child exams, general gynecology and vaccinations. Dr. Wilkins is experienced in managing many chronic conditions and provides a variety of procedures, including abscess drainage and joint injections for the shoulder and knee. BJC Medical Group at St. Peters in affiliation with Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital 201 BJC St. Peters Drive, Suite 200 St. Peters, MO 63376 NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. Visit bjcmedicalgroup.org for more information on Ngozidilenna A. Wilkins, MD, and what we are doing to keep you safe during your visit. © 2020. BJC Medical Group. All Rights Reserved. “BJC Medical Group” generally refers to BJC Medical Group of Missouri, BJC Medical Group of Illinois and BJC Medical Group of Sullivan, all of which are well-established physician organizations. Skills Center Executive Director Todd Steff (left) and Curriculum Manager Jeremy Sutton (right) with graduates (from left, center) Caleb Dunk, Billy Owen and Chandler Gibson. (Source: BCI) By DEANNE LEBLANC Caleb Dunk, William Owen and Chandler Gibson are the first tradesmen to graduate from the Skills Center, a new program of BCI (Boone Center Inc.). The men graduated on Sept. 30 and moved directly into competitive employment as specially trained, full-time employees at Permian Plastics in O’Fallon. The company is an injection molding firm that produces custom molded products for the healthcare, biotechnology, electronics/ telecommunications, consumer and industrial products, and optical industries. Beginning in January 2019, BCI partnered with Permian Plastics to provide vocational training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During their training, Dunk, Owen and Gibson learned how to assemble and package products on high-speed production lines. Training also focused on basic machine and secondary equipment operation, manufacturing safety, quality assurance and working in a team production environment. In their new positions, the men earn competitive opportunities, responsibilities, benefits and pay. Located in St. Peters, BCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides tuition-based training. Student tuition expenses are typically covered entirely, or in large part, by scholarships and supplemental state agency support. The Skills Center partners with local companies who share the belief that people with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to productive business organizations. Training programs are created each time a business partner is established, which provides a path to competitive employment for people with disabilities. In turn, each business partner gains well trained, qualified and dedicated employees, according to Skills Center Executive Director Todd Steff. According to Steff, the amount of opportunities and services dwindles drastically for special needs adults after they graduate high school. With 20 years of experience in serving individuals with disabilities, Steff wanted to create a new service model for adults that would lessen the steep cliff they have to climb after high school to be included in the work force. It is estimated that 70-80% of disabled adults are unemployed. At least 50% of those individuals want employment and are looking for jobs, but do not have an appropriate path forward. “We are trying to create the opportunity they want and the ripple effects of that opportunity will continue,” Steff said. “With a job, they are more independent, have more autonomy and more self worth. The smiles on their faces really say it all.” The Skills Center graduated its first class in 2019 and has since placed 20 adults in the workforce. Its longterm goal is to place 60 individuals. To achieve that goal , BCI continually is seeking the partnership of inclusive-minded businesses who can provide opportunities for students. Steff said the rewards for employers go beyond acquiring capable staff. “Former graduates will send me pictures of their first paycheck, that’s how proud they are of their work. It opens up so many resources,” he said. “Just seeing them grow and meet their own goals, that’s such a fun thing to be a part of.” 518799_BJCMG_StartUpAd_Wilkins_4.916x11.375_MidRiversNewsmagazine.indd 1 10/28/20 12:33 PM
FACEBOOK.COM/MIDRIVERSNEWSMAGAZINE MIDRIVERSNEWSMAGAZINE.COM November 18, 2020 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE I 25 trust·ed When it comes to care, you want a place you can rely on – a strong community that provides reliability in this uncertain world. Breeze Park is an established provider of excellent care that our residents and family members believe in, especially during these challenging times. We welcome Assisted Living residents to a warm environment where independence is balanced with the additional care and help needed. SAVE $500 PER MONTH IN ASSISTED LIVING!* Call 636.242.8944 to learn how you can move to Breeze Park today! 600 Breeze Park Dr. Weldon Spring, MO 63304 BreezeParkLiving.org *Savings apply for one year. Terms and conditions apply. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Long Term Care | Rehabilitation (BP205574) BP Mid Rivers Newsmagazine Ad – Size: 10” x 5.6” – Due: 10/2/20 BIG FALL SAVINGS Windows • Siding • Roofs • Entry Doors WINDOWS SIDING DOORS ROOFS Up to $1000.00 OFF with a full house Window, Door or Siding project Up to $750.00 OFF with a full house Roofing project Experts In Condominiums And Apartments DALCO HOME REMODELING 314-298-7300 • Showroom - 13795 St. Charles Rock Rd. www.dalcohomeremodeling.com All sales off suggested retail pricing. Sale ends November 28, 2020, not valid with other offers.
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