Resources for the Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2006
Contact: Sarah Potter, PR Coordinator (708)389-8137, ext.305
or Liz Mlcoch,
Director of Development, ext. 300
Adult Workshop Welcomes New Contracts
Blue Cap Workers Enjoying Learning New Skills
Blue Island, IL- The people working in Blue Cap’s workshop are welcoming new jobs and new skills as well as a little extra money in their pockets these days. The agency is expanding its business relationships through contracts from five different companies in the last year.
“I’ve noticed a real change in the people in the workshop since the jobs started coming in,” says John Frizzell, Blue Cap’s Director of Finance and Job Procurement. “They feel better about themselves, and they are happier working.”
Frizzell is not the only one noticing a difference in the mood of the Workshop.
“You would think their paychecks are $1million,” says Workshop Production Coordinator Judy Caillouette. “They are enjoying being more productive and getting a little extra money in their paychecks.”
The new work comes from five companies: Smurfit Stone, Animated Manufacturing, Advance Products, Calumet Carton Company and K & E Railhead Corporation. The jobs present a chance for Blue Cap individuals to not only earn extra money, but also pick up new skills. Blue Cap adults are doing such work as repackaging boxes for Calumet Carton Company and packaging brackets for Animated Manufacturing. Gaining the work is an achievement in an economy facing the disappearance of manufacturing jobs. The workers newfound abilities are also allowing some to move into community-centered or even competitive employment.
“It’s important to have a variety of contracts because everyone has different abilities and interests,” Frizzell says. “Diversity of the work gives everyone a chance to have a job.”
The Railhead contract is an especially exciting new job for Blue Cap that enables the expansion of the Flashlight Department. The company provides various pieces of equipment to the railroad industry, and they recently awarded Blue Cap a contract to make two different versions of a special strobing flashlight. The lights can be seen up to one mile away making crossings safer for the rail workers and the general public.
“I tell people that we do outstanding, quality work,” Frizzell says. “If you can prove that you do quality work then you will never lose a job.”
Blue Cap proves to employers that it produces quality products as a rule. The standard of excellence allows Blue Cap’s Adult Workshop to retain work and expand existing relationships. Once a small job is complete to expectations, companies entrust more work to the workshop. Maintaining and expanding contracts is a major goal for the agency. Increasing the workshop’s profitability will ensure its existence for Blue Cap and its participants for years to come.
Blue Cap is an organization dedicated to the discovery, pursuit, and achievement of personal growth and dignity for individuals of all ages having or at risk for developmental disabilities. Find out more about the agency and its services at www.blue-cap.org.
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