DRTC is in your corner

Individuals in DRTC's programs smile at the 2015 United Way Campaign Kickoff
A group of individuals in DRTC’s programs attended the 2015 United Way Campaign Kickoff.

Individuals in Dale Rogers Training Center’s (DRTC) programs are active advocates for the agency. Whether it is by attending United Way Campaign Kick Off events, going to the Capitol for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, or just by spreading the word about the work being done at the agency, what better spokespeople to have than these!

There are plenty of opportunities to be advocates—when out on field trips with Camp Tumbleweed, at volunteer sites with Mobile Workforce, visiting work site locations with Transitions and beyond!

Chris holds a certificate of recognition making him an Honorary Public Relations Representative.
Chris became an Honorary Public Relations Representative for his efforts during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day.

One outstanding advocate is Chris—who participates in DRTC’s Mobile Workforce. Chris was an outspoken supporter of DRTC at this year’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, speaking with Oklahoma’s lawmakers about the importance of DRTC. He even invited them to come take a tour of our campus! He did such an amazing job, we made him an Honorary Public Relations Representative!

It’s easy being an advocate:

DRTC’s presence at various events and in the public in general sends a strong message to those in the community: We’re Oklahomans. We work. We contribute. We give back.

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

Shop for a Cause at DRTC Gift Shop

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In 2014, Dale Rogers Training Center continues to receive recognition for its innovative programs and quality service for those with disabilities. DRTC provides these services by using the “hand up” approach by combining training with real-world production skills. You can support this effort by buying the products made here at DRTC. Our Gift Shop offers Prairie Spice gifts, Prism Place awards and trophies, DRTC themed gifts and holiday cards. You can also take advantage of the Wyman Frame Showroom located next to the Gift Shop. All sales proceeds go back to support DRTC’s mission and help its individuals blaze new trails and build their futures. You can also shop online at https://www.drtc.org/shop/. Shipping is available or you can pick up your order at the Gift Shop, located at 2501 N. Utah Ave., Oklahoma City, OK.

VISA, MasterCard, and Discover accepted.

Sensory Friendly Movie Showings in the OKC Metro

MH900409265Hooray for the weekend! One of the most popular weekend activities is going to see a movie. Most of us enjoy the experience of exceptional surround sound for the latest blockbusters on the big screen, silence from the audience and a dark theater. Well what about people who may be a little more sensitive to sound, may have trouble sitting still for long periods of time or may be afraid of a dark theater?

Three OKC metro area movie theaters offer a sensory sensitive movie option. The Moore Warren Theatres, AMC Crossroads and AMC Quail Springs show a sensory friendly movie once a month.  During these screenings, the house lights are brighter and the volume is softer. The audience members are not expected to stay seated or silent, they are welcome to walk around, dance, sing, shout and talk as much as they please. The movie also starts promptly at the expected time without previews.

The idea for this special screening program began as a request from a parent of a child with autism. With the help of AMC and getting the word out to her local Autism Society chapter, more than 300 children and parents attended the first sensory friendly AMC movie screening.

The greater the response our local theaters get to these screenings, the more likely it will be that they will offer frequent sensory friendly screenings. This month Monsters Inc in 2-D will be showing at the AMC Quail Springs and Crossroads on Saturday, January 5 at 10:00am, and at the Warren Theatre on Saturday, January 19th at 11:00am.

You can visit http://www.warrentheatres.com/sensorysensitive.asp and http://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films for future dates and showtimes.

Also, for an interesting read about the start of this program, visit: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1977230,00.htm

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

If you love us, be sure to ‘like’ us!

Holiday Card 2012

Since you are already a fan of Dale Rogers Training Center , be sure to “Like” us on Facebook for a great chance at winning a set of holiday cards made by a person with a disability at DRTC.

All you have to do is simply ‘Like’ our page and leave a comment on the giveaway post answering the question. We will randomly select FIVE people to receive a free set of holiday cards! Winners will be announced this Friday at 8:00 a.m.

Liking us on Facebook will also give you real time access to all of the latest news, Prairie Spice recipes, event photos and other very exciting news coming in 2013 for DRTC.

We also appreciate you for “following” us on Twitter for the #GivingTuesday movement. You never know, you just might find a great photo or recipe pinned to our Pinterest, also!

Happy #GivingTuesday!

With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, along came the birth of #GivingTuesday this year. The idea is to give back in a charitable effort the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, the purpose is to bring back the meaning of giving thanks and to encourage others to donate their time, materials, money or effort to their help a charity. The founders have reached an unexpected, but welcome milestone. With the original goal of 100 organization participants, the rapidly growing list of partners leading the nation to “Get Out the Give” is now over 2,000 strong and spans all 50 states. The extensive use of social media has been vital to the success of #GivingTuesday. With partners such as, The Huffington Post, Mashable, Microsoft, the United Nations Foundation and the United Way, the #GivingTuesday movement has garnered unfathomable support.

DRTC is encouraging others to participate in #GivingTuesday by providing the option to purchase a quality gift through our online store while also giving back to a non-profit organization, providing training and employment to people with disabilities. The products are specially packaged or produced by an individual with a disability, including a special note.

Through our programs, we train or employ over 1200 individuals with disabilities. People with disabilities continue to experience higher levels of unemployment than those without disabilities. By participating in #GivingTuesday, we will be able to raise awareness for our mission and provide holiday gift options that benefit a great cause.

Give Local. Give Well. Give Back. #GivingTuesday.

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Dale Rogers Center in Oklahoma City is undergoing makeover | NewsOK.com

Dale Rogers Center in Oklahoma City is undergoing makeover | NewsOK.com.

Camp Tumbleweed featured on News Channel 4’s Great State!

Check out this great video from NewsChannel 4’s Great State, featuring our Camp Tumbleweed at Dale Rogers Training Center. http://kfor.com/2012/07/19/great-state-camp-tumbleweed/

Camp Tumbleweed is a fun-filled summer day camp program designed for teenagers and young adults with disabilities ages 13 to 21 years old, located at Dale Rogers Training Center in Oklahoma City. There are two sessions, the first beginning on June 4 and the second session beginning July.