CPD and DI thrift store create jobs partnership
Reprinted with permission of
The Herald Journal
Monday, January 19, 2009
Herald Journal staff reports
Utah State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities has joined with Deseret Industries to offer work experience to associates looking to beef up their resumes.
The DI thrift store pays wages and taxes; the CPD offers space, supervision and jobs to disabled individuals.
For instance, Amanda Kropf has been staffing the CPD's reception desk two days a week.
"It's been a really good experience," she said. "It's nice to come into more of a business-related job and see how things are run."
Her long-term goal is to finish her education; the CPD positions helps by giving her computer practice time.
Two other DI associates are also working with the CPD--Skylor Pond writes articles on disability issues for the website and Nicholas Thompson does welding at the organization's Assistive Technology Lab.
"One of my goals is to hone my writing skills so when I go out into the real world after college, that can be a part of my resume," Pond said. "Here I am, trying to improve my writing skills, to hone my craft so I can write that book someday."
CPD Director Bryce Fifield said the program helps the center meet its goal of assisting people with disabilities to become independent. Often they face three big issues: housing, transportation and employment.
"If people have a good, solid employment situation, those other two issues can be addressed easier," he said.
In addition to the CPD, several Cache County businesses are also participating in the DI's business partnership program.
Janae Butler of the Logan DI said the center was a good fit for the Logan associates, who were chosen after meeting standards showing they are ready to make a transition into the working world.
"We knew they could prove their abilities at the CPD," Butler said.
