Assistant in training

On a busy work floor, Natjun takes stock of his surroundings. One wrong move could lead to serious injury as he meticulously positions his pallet jack to a flat of completed projects on the Vocational Services floor at Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC).

Avoiding any injury to himself or others, Natjun moves the pallet out from the others, sets it down and then gets to work with stretch wrap to ensure the products stay together during transport.

“I’m about to wrap these boxes
 and then I take the jack and what I do is put them back over there with the rest of these.”

Natjun, a senior at John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, is taking part in the Warehouse Assistant program learning the basic operations of warehouse work.

But before he got to this point, there was a very important lesson to learn first: safety.

“That’s the first aspect we go through out in the warehouse training is emphasizing, more than anything, the need to be aware,” said Danny, DRTC Warehouse Manager, “and to know what you’re doing when you’re operating this heavy equipment and being aware of other people.”

Natjun moves a pallet in DRTC's Vocational Services Building.
Natjun moves a pallet in DRTC’s Vocational Services Building.

Natjun can navigate a fully stacked pallet with ease while ensuring the safety of others on the work floor and in the warehouse.

“If someone was (standing) there and I didn’t see them, I might hurt them,” added Natjun.

As part of the Warehouse Assistant program, he is also learning invaluable communication skills. Natjun and other DRTC employees deliver various products and speak with customers.

“We go out and greet people and take stuff, basically.”

He admits he was nervous at first, but now he’s settling in. Danny has noticed Natjun’s growth as well.

Danny, left, and Natjun, right, work together to move a pallet.
Danny, left, and Natjun, right, work together to move a pallet.

“Pretty much now I can set him on a project and turn around,” said Danny.

Natjun has had plenty of experience learning and working at Dale Rogers Training Center. He is part of DRTC’s Transition School-to-Work Program where students travel to various businesses, learn new skills and how to act on the job among other employability lessons.

The Transition Program is where he learned what he wants to do after high school.

“Horticulture,” Natjun said with a smile. “I love the outdoors. Outdoors is like the best thing in the world.”

Natjun will continue developing his skills at DRTC and is on track to graduate in May 2016. He’s also planning on attending this year’s Camp Tumbleweed— DRTC’s summer camp for teenagers and young adults with disabilities.

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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

We did all that in 5 years, no way!

Connie Thrash McGoodwinYes WAY, and it’s a credit to our established administrative team. But there is no rest for the wicked and we are down to 10 months and counting until our 60th Anniversary celebration on October 13, 2013. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU OR YOUR COMPANY AS A SPONSOR, just fill out and return the enclosed card between now and June.

JOBS
In five years we doubled the wages earned by our folks with disabilities to
5.9 million dollars and created hundreds of new jobs in the community. We’ve added new classes and support staff, and our main location on Utah increased by almost 20 staff members. Employment Services moved to the building on the corner, which provides staff with a much better space to do their jobs and offers easier access to those we serve, many of whom may have mobility issues.

WORK PROJECTS
We have added our first FAA contract at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and two contracts at the Armed Forces Reserve Centers located in Norman and Mustang, that’s about 53 new jobs for people with disabilities.

CERTIFICATIONS
Our Employment Services department was certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for their maximum award of three years. They will return in 2014 and certify the entire agency. Four members of the Board of Directors and myself went through four months of Standards of Excellence training through the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURISM
A few years ago we received the framing set aside for the state and bought the small wholesale framing company we were working with in Moore. Wyman Frame and Supply is now being moved on campus to the new Workforce Skills Training building. In October of 2013 we will add a retail component to the current wholesale model.
With the help of Cedar Hill Spices in Edmond and Anglin Public Relations, we created a line called Prairie Spices and started an online store. Over a dozen different items made or packaged by workers at Dale Rogers Training Center are available for purchase online or at the agency (https://drtc.org/commerce or call 405-813-9998), including GREAT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION! New holiday cards and note cards are designed every year by folks in our workshop. Each gift has a note from an individual who packaged it.

Why do we work so hard? To try to diversify our income and stay ahead of any negative impacts on the economy. That fiscal pie only has so many pieces, so let’s say “we’re doing our own baking”. Our ultimate strategic goal is complete self-sufficiency.

Part of the secret of our success is the unique partnership between the Board of Directors and Dale Rogers’ professional staff. The Board of Directors meets monthly and does its due diligence on anything new, approves policy, oversights all strategic planning and handles all finances and investments. In addition, a Human Rights Committee, also from the community, reviews and protects the safety and rights of all individuals served in the Developmental Disabilities Services Division and Department of Rehabilitation Services programs.

“We have some of the most experienced and professional staff in Oklahoma. The professional integrity of the staff, the outcomes and our continued success is how we know this partnership works,” says Board President Becky Cook.

I get a lot of credit for our success and while I admit to being a catalyst for quality and innovation, it is my administrative team that makes it happen. You’ll hear more about my “Fab 5” these next few months (think Jerry, Deborah, Theresa, Lillian and Mark) not to mention the other 18 members of administration at all of our seven office locations.

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, CUSTOMERS, CONTRACTORS, DONORS AND ADVOCATES!

We couldn’t be successful without you!

Looking forward to 2013 and seeing you at our 60th Anniversary Celebration,

Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M. Ed.
Executive Director

We did all that in 5 years, no way!

Connie Thrash McGoodwinYes WAY, and it’s a credit to our established administrative team. But there is no rest for the wicked and we are down to 10 months and counting until our 60th Anniversary celebration on October 13, 2013. WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU OR YOUR COMPANY AS A SPONSOR, just fill out and return the enclosed card between now and June.

JOBS
In five years we doubled the wages earned by our folks with disabilities to
5.9 million dollars and created hundreds of new jobs in the community. We’ve added new classes and support staff, and our main location on Utah increased by almost 20 staff members. Employment Services moved to the building on the corner, which provides staff with a much better space to do their jobs and offers easier access to those we serve, many of whom may have mobility issues.

WORK PROJECTS
We have added our first FAA contract at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and two contracts at the Armed Forces Reserve Centers located in Norman and Mustang, that’s about 53 new jobs for people with disabilities.

CERTIFICATIONS
Our Employment Services department was certified by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for their maximum award of three years. They will return in 2014 and certify the entire agency. Four members of the Board of Directors and myself went through four months of Standards of Excellence training through the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURISM
A few years ago we received the framing set aside for the state and bought the small wholesale framing company we were working with in Moore. Wyman Frame and Supply is now being moved on campus to the new Workforce Skills Training building. In October of 2013 we will add a retail component to the current wholesale model.
With the help of Cedar Hill Spices in Edmond and Anglin Public Relations, we created a line called Prairie Spices and started an online store. Over a dozen different items made or packaged by workers at Dale Rogers Training Center are available for purchase online or at the agency (https://drtc.org/commerce or call 405-813-9998), including GREAT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION! New holiday cards and note cards are designed every year by folks in our workshop. Each gift has a note from an individual who packaged it.

Why do we work so hard? To try to diversify our income and stay ahead of any negative impacts on the economy. That fiscal pie only has so many pieces, so let’s say “we’re doing our own baking”. Our ultimate strategic goal is complete self-sufficiency.

Part of the secret of our success is the unique partnership between the Board of Directors and Dale Rogers’ professional staff. The Board of Directors meets monthly and does its due diligence on anything new, approves policy, oversights all strategic planning and handles all finances and investments. In addition, a Human Rights Committee, also from the community, reviews and protects the safety and rights of all individuals served in the Developmental Disabilities Services Division and Department of Rehabilitation Services programs.

“We have some of the most experienced and professional staff in Oklahoma. The professional integrity of the staff, the outcomes and our continued success is how we know this partnership works,” says Board President Becky Cook.

I get a lot of credit for our success and while I admit to being a catalyst for quality and innovation, it is my administrative team that makes it happen. You’ll hear more about my “Fab 5” these next few months (think Jerry, Deborah, Theresa, Lillian and Mark) not to mention the other 18 members of administration at all of our seven office locations.

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, CUSTOMERS, CONTRACTORS, DONORS AND ADVOCATES!

We couldn’t be successful without you!

Looking forward to 2013 and seeing you at our 60th Anniversary Celebration,

Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M. Ed.
Executive Director

DRTC celebrates 10 year partnership with Pelco Products Inc.

Dale Rogers client and Pelco employee Chris Howell assembles parts kits Friday at the Pelco facility in Edmond. Photo By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman
Dale Rogers client and Pelco employee Chris Howell assembles parts kits Friday at the Pelco facility in Edmond. Photo By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman

Dale Rogers Training Center and Pelco Products have reached a milestone; they celebrated their 10 year partnership in October.

Pelco opened in 1985 and quickly became the largest manufacturer of traffic signal hardware in the United States, currently serving 50 states nationally and 14 countries worldwide. In an effort to both reduce costs and improve productivity, Pelco sought DRTC’s Mobile Workforce. Beginning with 5 different traffic and streetlight kits in 2002, the Mobile Workforce has now contributed to the construction of over 60 different types of hardware kits. Many of the lights you will see near the new Project 180 in downtown Oklahoma City, are products of Pelco.

Utilizing Pelco’s lean “just-in-time” assembly processes, the Mobile Workforce has provided around 108,000 operating man hours over the past 10 years and has been instrumental in improving product turnaround time and manufacturing efficiency.

Pelco has been a wonderful partner over the past 10 years, this summer they constructed two signs to recognize the contributions of the DRTC assembly team, making the workers feel appreciated as a part of Pelco. To show our gratitude for the wonderful 10 year anniversary milestone, DRTC presented Pelco with a plaque made by individuals at Prism Place, along with our new Boot Kickin’ BBQ set and our White Hat Southwest Dip mix.  The individuals who travel weekly to work at Pelco also prepared a signed card as part of the presentation.

Pelco also recently placed a large order of 175 of our new BBQ spice sets for their holiday gifts to their customers! DRTC is proud of our partnership with Pelco Products and looks forward to continuing to grow with them in the future.

The Oklahoman/NewsOK recently highlighted our partnership in this great article and video