2013 Fall: Focus on Ability

FOCUS ON abilityLOGAN'S ADVENTURE

A Newsletter by ODC, Inc. FALL 2013

Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve

On July 20, 2013, Logan began an adventure that he may have once never thought possible. Logan, who uses a wheelchair, went water skiing.

On July 18, just as the 2013 Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships on Lake Wazeecha in Wisconsin Rapids were about to begin, ODC received a call from Kurt Roskopf of the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation. He was calling to ask if one of our clients might like to participate in a demonstration of adaptive water skiing at the show that weekend. He was coordinating two demonstrations each day with the assistance of Colsac Skiers, an adaptive ski school located in Merrimac, Wisconsin, and he was looking for volunteers.

“I checked the Colsac Skiers’ website and watched the video,” said Kristen Jinsky, ODC Service Coordinator. “Based upon what I saw – the way that the ski apparatuses were designed - I thought about the physical abilities of a number of our clients and Logan came to mind.”

“I thought, ‘How many of the individuals we serve have never had the opportunity to ride a bike fast, to drive fast… all the things that individuals without disabilities might take for granted,’” said Jinsky. “Logan is 21, and I know he has that in him. His mother is always telling him to ‘slow that wheelchair down!’”

When Jinsky approached Logan’s mother, Karen, she was hesitant. So was his dad, David.

“It sounded so exciting,” said Karen, “but what might happen? He’s been through a number of surgeries… you spend your whole life trying to make him ‘better’, so I worried about everything! Would he tip over? Was it going to hurt him?”

The group made its way to observe the first adaptive water ski demonstration at the ski show championships with some apprehension. But according to Jinsky, one couldn’t help but be moved.

TOP: ODC’s Tanna Livernash (L) and Kristin Jinsky (R) accompanied Logan and his parents to an adaptive water ski demonstration at Lake Wazeecha on July 19. After watching the demo, Logan was ready to be a part of the action! | BOTTOM: Logan was seated on the ski sled, then lowered off of the dock and into the water.

“When we heard the crowd’s reaction to that first adaptive skier,” she said, “it was overwhelming. They were shouting ‘awesome’, ‘how cool’, and ‘I know so-and-so and she could do that!’”

Logan watched, too, and then said, “There’s no question. I’ll do it!”

SEE ADVENTURE / PAGE 3

p2 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.

In Our Own Words

1191 Huntington AvenueWisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

2406 East 21st StreetMarshfield, WI 54449

715-424-2712 WR715-387-1161 MFLD

M-F 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

COMMUNITY & DONOR RELATIONS715-818-6451

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING715-818-6450

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES715-818-6443 WR715-996-1700 MFLD

HIDDEN CREEK KITCHENS715-818-6481 WR715-996-1708 MFLD

MAILING SERVICES715-818-6467

PRODUCTION715-818-6450

www.odcinc.com

FacebookODC, Inc.

LinkedInOpportunity Development Centers

Twitter@ODCInc

YoutubeOpportunity Development Centers

Make a gift!715-818-6451

"My name is Lynn Haefer, and I am an

employment resource manager at ODC. My

primary role is to help people find jobs in the

community. Everyone has unique talents and

skills, and we tap into what they have to offer

and find out what makes them unique. We

then use that knowledge to find the right job

match for them with the right employer.

Most people are unaware of all the work that

we do to help individuals get to the point where they are valuable

employment candidates for a community job. Most don’t realize the

lengths to which we go to understand and get to know people, to

identify those unique talents and skills and interests…

So it isn’t just “plunking” someone into a job in the community. It’s

finding the right job, and really often it’s customizing a job so that it’s

right for that person and fills the needs of the employer.

When someone we are working with hits a milestone - when somebody

is hired for a job in the community - it’s a party! We celebrate here! But

it’s not just huge milestones like a new job… it’s the small things that we

celebrate here at ODC. Small victories are worth celebrating, too!"

"I am Sara Bloczynski, and I am a vocational

services manager at ODC. My advice to

everyone is to visit us and see what we do.

When we take someone on a tour of the

facility, the common theme we hear is that ‘I

had no idea what you do here’. And so many

times, I think that our community members

feel that if they don’t know someone with a

disability, there is no reason to have contact

with ODC, and yet, in some way, we are probably touching their lives

and they don’t even know it.

I am constantly amazed… I think of individuals that I have worked with,

and the times when I may have thought, ‘There is no way that we are

going to accomplish that goal’. And I have been proven wrong over and

over and over again.

I think so many times, for so long, everything that individuals with

disabilities have heard has focused on the negative, on the disability.

Then they come to ODC, and we spend our time focusing on what they

can do, what they want to do, and how we can help them get there."

This column, In Our Own Words, features the inspiring words and stories of those on the front lines of ODC’s mission: our staff, our volunteers and our supporters, as well as the parents and caregivers of people with disabilities. Together, we achieve!

ADVENTURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Logan made his first water ski run the next afternoon. His adaptive ski equipment was placed on the dock; it resembled a slalom board with a seat attached and a smaller ski on either side for balance. Logan sat in the seat and was lifted off the dock and down to the water.

“When they ‘plopped’ him off the dock and into the water,” said Karen, “I was overwhelmed with ‘what ifs’. But then I felt, what a great opportunity for him to feel free from any barriers! When he came back to shore, he was so proud, so confident!”

“Holy cow,” Logan said to his mother. “The boat was going at a ludicrous speed, and it felt awesome!”

Not wanting to miss the experience, Karen went along for the ride on Logan’s second trip around the lake. That ride was part of the show’s f inale, and a huge crowd looked on. He was acknowledged by wholehearted cheers from onlookers as, on this run, the boat pulled him directly off of the shore and into the water.

The Colsac Skiers promised to keep in contact with Logan, and they did. According to Karen, they called once more this past summer and asked if Logan would be interested in skiing again in a demonstration in Northern Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the family already had plans but they were assured that there would be many more opportunities. And everyone agrees that Logan would love to do it again.

“The experience built more confidence in Logan,” said Karen, “but it was also a confidence-builder for his parents - we had to let go! We all grew a little that weekend.”

Editor’s Note: Colsac Skiers, Inc., based on Lake Wisconsin

in Merrimac, is a water ski school for children and adults with

disabilities. They are USA Water Ski certified instructors and

Red Cross certified life guards. With over 100 combined years

of water skiing experience as well as national championship

titles, they provide experiences that allow people with

disabilities to share the sport they are so passionate about.

For more information, contact them at 608-493-4674.

Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve p3

TOP LEFT: Logan ready to take off. | TOP RIGHT: What does it feel like to be up on skis for the first time in your life? | BOTTOM LEFT & MIDDLE: On his second demonstration run, Logan advanced to using a slalom ski with no supporting skis on either side. Two professional skiers kept a hold on Logan so he didn’t tip; at some point, Logan may learn to balance for himself. | BOTTOM RIGHT: A proud Logan relaxes after the second day’s events, joined by Kurt Roskopf and his wife, Susan.

p4 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.

In Their Own Words

In Their Own Words features stories

of opportunity, support and personal

achievement. In this column, we FOCUS

ON ABILITY!

KATIE“My name is Katie. I have worked

at the Marshfield Public Library

for almost three years. My job is to

re-shelve items. I am at the heart of

the library – I keep it circulating. I

feel incredible at work. I love what I

do, and I’m really good at it.

I started working with ODC about

five years ago. I started with some

temporary job trials just to see

what might fit my needs. I tried

day care and cleaning, and nothing

seemed to fit. And then one day

I thought, ‘Well, I love books,’ so

I thought maybe the library. They

had a job opening; I ended up

applying and getting the job... and

the rest is history!

I love my job, but I don’t just want

to stop there. I have dreams of

working higher up in the library

system, and I would also like to

work with people with disabilities.

More than anything, I want to give

back and help others.

Before I found

ODC, I didn’t

really have

a purpose, a

reason to get up

in the morning,

a reason to do

anything with my life. But now I

have a new-found hope… I can go

to work, I have friendships and

relationships, and my life is so

much better.

How has ODC impacted

my life? The question

is, how has ODC not

impacted my life?

Before I started in

their programs, I could

barely function let alone

hold down a full-time

job. It took a lot of hard

work on all of our parts,

but we did it!”

Honestly, everything

I have accomplished

I am proud of. They

may be small things to

others, but to me it’s

everything."

- KATIE

“When Katie was about

14 years old, she came

to me expressing

feelings of depression. Thus

began the nightmare of searching

for help. After years of many

different counselors and trials of

medications, Katie slowly began

making improvements in her life.

Then she was introduced to ODC.

Having work has been a life saver

for Katie. It has given her a reason

to get up in the morning. It has

given her a sense of pride in a job

well done and has built up her

confidence tremendously.

My hopes and dreams for Katie are

to have a life of joy and fulfillment;

that each day she feels better and

stronger. I am very proud of how

far she has come and very grateful

to ODC for being a part of that

journey.”

- JUNE, Katie's mother

TIM“No one here sees Tim as having a

disability… when he came to us, he

was uncertain of himself. What he

is gaining here at The UPS Store is

confidence.

I found myself not thinking about

adding to his tasks at UPS… it

wasn’t occurring to me. It wasn’t

until I saw him growing that I

knew he was capable of managing

the technology here. Now he is

taking care of customers who

are dropping off packages to be

How has ODC impacted my life? The question is, how has ODC not impacted my life?

Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve p5

shipped, and competently using

the computer.

The bottom line is that he figured

out his job really quickly, and it has

worked out really well. Last year,

after we had worked through the

holiday rush, I am absolutely certain

that he felt he was part of a very

efficient team.

- PAT, Owner | The UPS Store, Wisconsin Rapids

“My name is Tim. I work at The UPS

Store and Renaissance Learning in

Wisconsin Rapids.

I started working at Renaissance

Learning in November 2012. I clean

tables and chairs and take out

the trash. The people there are

extremely nice, great to get along

with. I’ve actually seen a few of my

coworkers outside of work. It’s a

great place.

I also work at The UPS Store. When I

started in December 2012, I took out

the garbage, cleaned and restocked.

I have now learned to help

customers with drop-off packages

which I scan into the computer – I’ve

been doing that for a few months. I

also help package boxes a bit.

I was able to get an apartment on

my own a few months ago, and

living on my own has been great –

peace and quiet, no parents telling

you what to do! I don’t have more

responsibility in my own place

because I was doing dishes, laundry,

cooking and cleaning when I lived

with my parents.

Long-term, I would like to work at

The UPS Store. This is what I want

to do. I love the people here, and I

love being with the customers.

ODC has given me the support I

need on the job at Renaissance

Learning and at UPS. They helped

me build the skills I need for

employment.”

- TIM

ODC has given me the support I need on the job... They helped me build the skills I need for employment.

They laughed. They clapped their hands and tapped their feet. They even shed a tear.

Those in attendance at ODC’s 2013 Locals on Stage variety show were simply amazed at the talents of their friends, neighbors and fellow community members. Over 150 all local, all volunteer performers took to the Wisconsin Rapids Performing Arts Center stage on September 14 to entertain the over 1,500 guests who attended one of two shows that evening.

Thank you to our performers, production crew, volunteers, sponsors and all those who came out to have a truly fun evening to support a great cause. Because of you, we raised over $18,000 to support ODC programs in Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield.

If you would like to see more photos of the evening’s festivities, visit our Facebook page at ODC, Inc. Don’t forget to “like” us while you’re there!

p6 Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.

SIMPLY AMAZING!Another Successful Locals on Stage

TOP LEFT: The VSA Choir provides people with disabilities the opportunity to learn new skills and form new friendships. Here, they perform “Marvelous Medley”. | TOP RIGHT: TRISIS is a trio of sisters singing harmonies from the early and mid-20th centuries, styled after some famous sibling acts including the Andrews Sisters. They recently released their second CD titled “Studio C”. Here, they perform a “Sisters/Sincerely Medley”. | BOTTOM LEFT: Dance with Pam featured 39 dancers in a show-stopping performance of “Heads Will Roll”. | BOTTOM MIDDLE: The acoustic trio Tilly’s Village, which includes ODC President Pam Ross and Jerry & Michele King, was accompanied by guest musicians Ginger Marten, Bill Jungwirth and Galynne Goodwill in a performance titled “Walk or Ride”. | BOTTOM RIGHT: Wisconsin Rapids Chief of Police Kurt Heuer and his granddaughter, Harper, made a special appearance in a segment titled “Dream Big”.

Theresa RichardsChairpersonDirector, Strategic InitiativesMinistry Health Care

Lyle LangVice-ChairpersonPresidentLang Furniture

Luke WeilandSecretaryAttorneyLuke A. Weiland, Attorney at Law, LLC

Tom JankeTreasurerPresidentCorenso North America

Dale ArendtExecutive CoachThe Arendt Group

John CorrigallVP Human Resources & AdministrationRenaissance Learning, Inc.

Patricia Curti

Lori GroppAcademic Business Systems Manager, Division of EducationMarshfield Clinic

Jeff HillOwnerGene Hill Construction

Dave KrauseAssistant Vice PresidentForward Financial

Josh LinnAdministrative ManagerThe Bridge Center

Jeff MeyersVice President - Commercial LendingWoodTrust Bank

Pam RossODC [email protected] | 715-818-6447

2013-14 ODC, Inc.

Board of Directors

Empowering People With Disabilites To Achieve p7

Wisconsin Rapids715-818-64811191 Huntington Avenue

Marshfield715-996-17082406 East 21st Street

UNFROSTEDSUGAR COOKIES

$11.00/ dz + tax

FROSTEDSUGAR COOKIES

$12.50/ dz + tax

THANKSGIVING PIESOrder by November 19 for November 27 pick up

Wisconsin Rapids Only*minimum of 5 business days notice for pies

CHERRY, CRANBERRY NUT, DUTCH APPLE, OR PUMPKIN PIE$10.99/ pie + tax

HOLIDAY CUTOUTSOrder by December 17 for December 23 pick up

*minimum of 3 business days notice for cookies

HAVE A SWEET TOOTH?DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR SEASONAL SWEETS

FROM ODC'S HIDDEN CREEK KITCHENS!

WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!You are a partner in ODC’s mission,

and we can’t achieve our goals without your support.

Please watch your mail for ODC’s Annual Appeal, coming to you during the month of November.

YOUR GIFT WILL TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.1191 Huntington AvenueWisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Non Profit Org

US Postage Paid

Wisc Rapids WI

Permit No. 31

ENGAGE WITH USON SOCIAL MEDIA

ODC

CONNECT WITH ODC AND

SHARE OUR WONDERFUL JOURNEY.

"Like" us on FacebookODC, Inc.

Subscribe to our YouTube channelOpportunity Development Centers, Inc. Follow us on LinkedIn

Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.

Tweet with us on Twitter@ODCInc