Aaron Peck. left, and James Helm, right, with their Achievers Under 40 awards.
James Helm, public relations coordinator at DRTC, was inducted into the Journal Record’s 2017 Class of Achievers Under 40. The newest group of inductees was honored for their professional and community achievements.
Helm, who joined the DRTC team in 2015, coordinates DRTC’s community fundraisers and maintains the agency’s online presence—from websites to social media and beyond. He also spear-headed the research and implementation of accessibility tools to ensure people of all abilities can experience the various websites DRTC offers.
Lillian Hobbs’ position as chief financial officer of Dale Rogers Training Center is vital, but not just in terms of money.
Dale Rogers Training Center has trained or employed roughly 1,100 people a year with disabilities who average more than $5.3 million in total annual wages. In her role as CFO, Hobbs has developed a true partnership with the executive director and board to step out of her fiscal comfort zone to resolve issues to help grow the nonprofit organization.
From 2001 to 2016, the agency’s annual budget increased from $5 million to $19.5 million due to federal contracts and new business models set up under Hobbs’ expertise.
“I have reviewed this agency’s books and computer records for many years, and I have rarely seen books, fiscal policies and reports as well-organized and cohesive as those of Dale Rogers Training Center,” said Carl Hamilton, president of the Dale Rogers Board of Directors.
In addition, Hobbs has written and handled the oversight of all fiscal policies and procedures, including both financial and information technology. She set up all the fiscal procedures for Dale Rogers’ businesses that include DRTC Awards awards and gifts, DRTC Framing, Robin’s Corner Gift Shop and a Papa Murphy’s Take & Bake pizza franchise along with the federal contracts at Tinker Air Force Base, the Oklahoma City downtown GSA buildings and FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.
“Flawless audits, operational efficiency, cost reduction and cash flow efficiency indicate success in overwhelming business challenges, all of which contribute to the company’s reputation and demonstrated commitment to fiscal integrity and accountability,” said Connie Thrash McGoodwin, executive director of Dale Rogers Training Center.
“On the personal side, Lillian’s positive attitude, high level of integrity and dependability is unparalleled. She believes strongly in the mission of training and putting people with disabilities to work. She is caring, but at the same time, the consummate professional,” McGoodwin said.
“Lillian models professional behavior for other staff, they know she will always do the right thing,” she said. “Don’t be misled by her quiet demeanor. Behind that unflappable façade is a backbone of steel.”
Lillian and her spouse, Myra, have three children – Matthew, who recently graduated from Oklahoma State University, and Robyn and Marshall, who are both students at OSU. Lillian is a member of Civitan International and the Sierra Club, and volunteers for the ecologically minded organization Pando Populous.
How do you tell someone they no longer have a job? What about thousands of people?
How do you tell a person they won’t have necessary support at his/her group home and may end up homeless?
What would you say to people with disabilities who may not understand why these things are happening, but are suddenly thrust into a position no fault of their own?
These questions, and many more, loom as state agencies face the unenviable task of slashing budgets in the midst of the current funding shortfall in Oklahoma.
Since 1953, Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) has provided more than training and jobs for people with disabilities. DRTC has, among other things, offered a chance for those served to connect with one another, to grow personally and professionally, and to learn to advocate for themselves. The added benefit helps create hundreds of tax-paying citizens every year, who also contribute in many other ways in the community.
However, the funding well continues to pump ever so slowly in a state that hangs its hat on the oil and gas industry.
Countdown to zero
The most pressing concern now is funding the last two months of the current fiscal year. Without supplemental funding, agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) will have zero dollars to provide necessary programs and services to people, many of them vulnerable, statewide.
Funding measures are currently working through the legislature in an attempt to close the FY17 gap.
Contributing Oklahomans
A DRTC Employment Training Specialist helps an individual through the job search process.
Dale Rogers Training Center, Oklahoma’s oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities, serves 1,100 people every year. Last program year, the people with disabilities in its programs earned $5.3 million, paying taxes and not relying on government subsidies. They work in the community with you. They volunteer at many of the other nonprofits you’ve heard about. They are contributing Oklahomans.
Of the 1,100 people DRTC serves, 123 people work on the nonprofit’s main campus—located within six miles of the Capitol where costly decisions are being made. The rest of the individuals work in the community and on federal contracts.
Funding levels
State funding—which applies to 60 people at DRTC—provides opportunities in the Vocational Services Program, before and after hours care, and group training classes.
In Home Supports Waiver (IHSW)—impacts 32 people at DRTC —provides opportunities in DRTC’s Employment Services, Mobile Workforce, Special Needs and Vocational Services Programs, while also allowing for job coaching and services, transportation and additional areas of support that promote training and employment. These waivers receive federal matching dollars (approximately 60 cents for every 40 cents Oklahoma contributes), based on a review of the previous three years. Adults on IHSW receive just $20,671 a year to spend on all services (including vocational training and supports).
“Terrible to unthinkable”
The response to Oklahoma’s budget shortfall has already taken its toll.
Agencies have been asked repeatedly to slash budgets, make adjustments, and find ways to continue providing services with less and less money.
Already, agencies have been asked to submit budget proposals factoring a 14% reduction in services.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services recently submitted its proposal for Fiscal Year 2018—with cuts described by OKDHS Director Ed Lake as, “…ranging from the terrible to the unthinkable.”
Slashing OKDHS services up to 14% would reduce the agency’s operating budget by an expected $147 million and force tough decisions to either reduce or eliminate entire programs including State funded community services and the IHSW.
Statewide, OKDHS serves more than 3,100 children and adults with disabilities with these two programs alone.
These proposed cuts could lead to an even greater number of those without a job—the people who care for people with disabilities through IHSW and the caregivers who may have to quit work to care for their loved ones.
Waiting in line
Additional state agencies that help people with disabilities are also feeling the effects of the failing budget.
Oklahoma’s Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS), which contracts services with DRTC’s Employment Services Program, set up a waiting list in January 2017 for two groups of applicants with less severe disabilities due to rising costs and state budget cuts. Two months later, the agency expanded its waiting list to all new applicants for vocational rehabilitation and employment services.
These people are now “in line” to receive services to find work in Oklahoma. OKDRS will release those on the wait list, making them available for services, as funding becomes available.
According to OKDRS, staff helped 2,125 people find jobs in FY16. These individuals each paid, on average, $3,144 in taxes, reducing their need for disability benefits and social services.
Advocates needed
As DRTC helps promote self-advocacy skills to people with disabilities, the same is needed from you.
Research legislation making its way through the legislature
Bottom line: cutting services for people with disabilities will further hurt the state’s bottom line.
Advocate early. Advocate often. Advocate for the people of Oklahoma.
About Dale Rogers Training Center
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
The Northwest Chamber Hall of Honor is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated significant achievement and service over time. Examples include outstanding community service of many years’ duration, career achievement deserving of state or national recognition, or community service in only one or two areas that is unique, and has made a significant or substantial impact on the community.
Connie Thrash McGoodwin is receiving this distinct honor for her vision and leadership that has helped Dale Rogers Training Center grow to staff of 85 and provide meaningful employment opportunities for more than 1,100 individuals across the state. Through contracts with more scores of private and government organizations, the organization now generates 83% of their own revenue and the combined workforce generates $5.5 million a year.
Thrash McGoodwin, executive director of Dale Rogers Training Center, reflected on the success and endurance of DRTC.
“Today, I have a nearly $20 million annual budget to balance, up from only $90,000 from my first year on the job. Then, we had no state appropriations and only help from the school district and United Way. Today, we generate 83% of our own revenue. Half the payback is being around folks and seeing all the wonderful things that are happening here.”
With degrees from Oklahoma State and Texas Women’s University, her credentials, awards, recognitions and honors are what led her to receive this prestigious honor. The Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber recognizes Connie Thrash McGoodwin for the vision and leadership she has shared with Dale Rogers Training Center, our State, and the Northwest Oklahoma City community for 33 years.
Past inductees to the Northwest Chamber Hall of Honor include: John Shugart, Caroline Gist, Dr. Kent Shellenburger, Jane Haskin, Mayor Mick Cornett, Larry McAtee, Glenn Coffee, Wally Key, John Martin, J.D. Johnston, Ron Mercer, Chris Pierce, Ray Melrose, Albert Gray, Gary Unruh, Cecil Mendenhall, Howard Hendrick, Loren Gresham, Dr. Shannon Lucid, Prebble and Herman Beaver, Eldon Lyon, Phil Cowan, Duane Cory and Fred Floyd.
The mission of Dale Rogers Training Center, Inc. (DRTC) is “to support people with disabilities through paid vocational training, in-house programs and work opportunities as well as competitive community employment.”
Its philosophy is that “The citizen who has a disability is an individual human being, deserving of opportunities for learning, for development and for contribution. DRTC places the person first, focusing on their interests, skills and abilities, while always treating the individual and their family with dignity and respect.”
DRTC Employment Services Manager Linda Sechrist accepted the DRS Vocational Rehabilitation Gold Star Award on behalf of Dale Rogers Training Center.
Oklahoma City’s Dale Rogers Training Center was named the Vocational Rehabilitation Gold Star award winner on Dec. 9 during the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services divisional awards ceremony at the Marriott Conference Center in Norman.
The awards ceremony honors Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division of Visual Services staff members and community partners who have provided exceptional service to DRS clients and the taxpayers of Oklahoma.
Dale Rogers Training Center was honored for being an active partner in DRS’s iJobs, Project Search and Work Adjustment Training programs.
“Their staff is easily accessible and responds quickly to emails and phone calls and is available on short notice for an interpreter to communicate with walk in clients,” Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator Mark Kinnison said. “They are quick to respond and willing to work together to provide trainings, which will benefit agency staff.”
Linda Sechrist, DRTC Employment Services Manager, accepted the award on behalf of her group.
For more information about DRS, call 405-951-3400, or 800-845-8476. Also, visit DRS online at www.okdrs.gov for comprehensive information about the agency, including employment related, education and self-sufficiency services provided to Oklahomans with all types of disabilities.
The above news release was provided by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Eager job seekers listen intently, take notes and soak up information hoping it will help them in their next employment opportunity.
It’s a break from the typical job hunt through Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) Employment Services Program, which helps people with disabilities find, train for, and keep jobs in the community. Today, a group of University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) students is putting on a presentation to educate them about what to do and not to do when seeking a job and working.
DRTC Employment Services Program participants and UCO students.
Elyse Barnett, Abby Graham and Jordan Michela, all seniors at UCO, developed the presentation as part of their Corporate Training and Consulting class, led by Dr. Christy Vincent. Working in tandem with Linda Sechrist, DRTC Employment Services Manager, the students conducted a training needs assessment and developed their topics and activities based off this feedback.
“The presentation was well planned, and the materials and handouts were appropriate for individuals in attendance,” said Linda. “The activities were not only instructional but also fun.”
Presentation praise
LaQuoya, seated left, enjoys the presentation by UCO students on job readiness.
LaQuoya, who has done housekeeping work for 10 years, enjoyed the presentation, particularly the sections on being respectful and body language.
“I like to work,” LaQuoya said. “I want to do an office job.”
The topics covered also served as a refresher for some participants, like Evan, looking to find their next work opportunity.
Evan participates in the UCO students’ presentation.
“I’m always on time,” Evan beamed. “I hope to work in the medical field.”
Employment Services Program participants learned about several topics, including the importance of making a good first impression, professionalism, and communicating with colleagues, customers and bosses.
“We hope you’re successful in that first day and beyond,” Jordan told program participants during her portion of the presentation.
“I felt like I had a personal investment in it,” said Elyse, whose sister has Prader-Willi syndrome.
“I think we had a passion for it,” Abby said of their collaboration.
More training to be done
For Abby, Elyse and Jordan, this is the culmination of months of preparation. However, their work doesn’t end here. Their full presentation will be used by DRTC’s Employment Services Program as part of its vocational preparation class and could even be used for the agency’s Transition School-to-Work Program which helps provide job training to high school juniors and seniors with disabilities.
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DRTC/UCO partnership
This isn’t the first time Dale Rogers Training Center has teamed up with students from the University of Central Oklahoma. Students with UCO’s Speech and Hearing clinic have provided therapy sessions, with guidance of a speech pathologist, every semester for people in DRTC’s various on-campus programs since 1999 on a weekly basis.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
Eager job seekers listen intently, take notes and soak up information hoping it will help them in their next employment opportunity.
It’s a break from the typical job hunt through Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) Employment Services Program, which helps people with disabilities find, train for, and keep jobs in the community. Today, a group of University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) students is putting on a presentation to educate them about what to do and not to do when seeking a job and working.
DRTC Employment Services Program participants and UCO students.
Elyse Barnett, Abby Graham and Jordan Michela, all seniors at UCO, developed the presentation as part of their Corporate Training and Consulting class, led by Dr. Christy Vincent. Working in tandem with Linda Sechrist, DRTC Employment Services Manager, the students conducted a training needs assessment and developed their topics and activities based off this feedback.
“The presentation was well planned, and the materials and handouts were appropriate for individuals in attendance,” said Linda. “The activities were not only instructional but also fun.”
Presentation praise
LaQuoya, seated left, enjoys the presentation by UCO students on job readiness.
LaQuoya, who has done housekeeping work for 10 years, enjoyed the presentation, particularly the sections on being respectful and body language.
“I like to work,” LaQuoya said. “I want to do an office job.”
The topics covered also served as a refresher for some participants, like Evan, looking to find their next work opportunity.
“I’m always on time,” Evan beamed. “I hope to work in the medical field.”
Evan participates in the UCO students’ presentation.
Employment Services Program participants learned about several topics, including the importance of making a good first impression, professionalism, and communicating with colleagues, customers and bosses.
“We hope you’re successful in that first day and beyond,” Jordan told program participants during her portion of the presentation.
“I felt like I had a personal investment in it,” said Elyse, whose sister has Prader-Willi syndrome.
“I think we had a passion for it,” Abby said of their collaboration.
More training to be done
For Abby, Elyse and Jordan, this is the culmination of months of preparation. However, their work doesn’t end here. Their full presentation will be used by DRTC’s Employment Services Program as part of its vocational preparation class and could even be used for the agency’s Transition School-to-Work Program which helps provide job training to high school juniors and seniors with disabilities.
DRTC Employment Training Specialist Josh, right, listens to the description from an Employment Services Program participant during a communication exercise.DRTC Employment Training Specialists assist program participants in an activity during the UCO students’ presentation.DRTC Employment Services Program participants and UCO students.
DRTC/UCO partnership
This isn’t the first time Dale Rogers Training Center has teamed up with students from the University of Central Oklahoma. Students with UCO’s Speech and Hearing clinic have provided therapy sessions, with guidance of a speech pathologist, every semester for people in DRTC’s various on-campus programs since 1999 on a weekly basis.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
The Governor’s office honors the hard work and dedication of people with disabilities in the workforce, as well as efforts by employers in fostering an inclusive environment in their respective businesses.
Congratulations to the 2016 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence winners, including DRTC Employment Services Program participants Markus Mullin and Clay Stephens who both work at St. Ann’s Retirement Center, and to Ken Holt with Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma, who received a Business Award for hiring people with disabilities.
Denise Young, DRTC Employment Training Specialist, said in her nomination of Stephens, “His upbeat personality and willingness to work hard has really impressed the staff at St. Ann’s.”
Mullin, who also works at St. Ann’s, also received an Award of Excellence. “He anticipates what needs to be done and does it before being asked,” said Young in her nomination letter.
Embassy Suites in Norman was one of several companies receiving an award in the Business category. The hotel hires individuals through DRTC’s Employment Services department. Embassy Suites is also the business partner for Project SEARCH to provide job skills training, support and career exploration in a variety of entry level positions and internships. Project SEARCH at Embassy Suites also includes Norman Public Schools, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and the National Center for Disability Education and Training.
Pictured left to right: Mark Jones, director of community living and support services, OKDHS; Clay Stephens; Vaughn Clark, director of community development, OK Dept. of Commerce; and Paul Folger, ceremony emcee and anchor, KOCO-TV Eyewitness News 5.Pictured left to right: Mark Jones, director of community living and support services, OKDHS; Ken Holt, director of event operations, Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman; Vaughn Clark, director of community development, OK Dept. of Commerce; and Paul Folger, ceremony emcee and anchor, KOCO-TV Eyewitness News 5.Pictured left to right: Mark Jones, director of community living and support services, OKDHS; Markus Mullin; Vaughn Clark, director of community development, OK Dept. of Commerce; and Paul Folger, ceremony emcee and anchor, KOCO-TV Eyewitness News 5.
Rex W Amsler, DRTC ETS Vivian Naegeli, Ken Holt, Jeane Smith pose for a picture after Ken was awarded a Business Award at the Governor’s Disability Awards of Excellence.Markus Mullin, Clay Stephens and DRTC ETS Denise Young pose for a picture at the 2016 Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence.
In conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) honors the accomplishments and dedication of not only employees with disabilities, but also their employers who are promoting inclusion in the workplace.
DRTC, a nonprofit agency that provides training and jobs for people with disabilities, serves 1,100 people annually. In addition to its on campus programs and Work Projects locations, Dale Rogers Training Center’s Employment Services program helped place 120 people in jobs throughout the OKC metro last year.
Among all DRTC programs, participants earned $5.3 million last year, allowing them to become contributing, tax-paying citizens, while reducing subsidies.
“Individuals who find employment through DRTC’s programs perform meaningful, quality work day in and day out,” said Executive Director Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M.Ed. “We also applaud the various businesses for employing this vital part of the workforce.”
The annual Governor’s Awards of Excellence for Disability Employment will be given during a ceremony October 18th. DRTC is excited to announce all three of its nominees will be honored:
Markus Mullin – a DRTC Employment Services participant and employee at St. Ann’s Retirement Center
Clay Stephens – a DRTC Employment Services participant and employee at St. Ann’s Retirement Center
Ken Holt – an employer with Embassy Suites in Norman who hires people with disabilities
What does inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce look like? Use #InclusionWorks to find out!
About Dale Rogers Training Center
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) had an unforgettable time at our annual Fall Festival, thanks to the West OKC Rotary Club.
Rotarians came out to cook and serve food, play music and setup crafts for individuals at DRTC’s main campus at 2501 N. Utah Ave.
“DRTC enjoys our long-standing partnership with the Rotary Club,” said DRTC Executive Director Connie Thrash, M.Ed. “Our folks enjoy taking a break from work just like everyone else and the Rotarians put on a great event every year.”
Lindsey and Quoshon were awesome servers!
Having fun at the Fall Festival.
Group photo with OK County Commissioner Brian Maughan.
Chicken dance!
Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.
Due to anticipated severe weather DRTC's Main Campus at Northwest 23rd and Utah Avenue will be closed November 4. Dismiss
