(540) 667-0809
828 Smithfield Avenue
(540) 722-4710 fax
Winchester, VA 22601
[email protected]
www.nwworks.com
July/August/September 2008
We’ve Got a Lot to Celebrate!
By John Brauer, CEO
Dear Friends and Partners,
I hope that this newsletter finds you enjoying the July festivities and summer heat.
Speaking of heat, things have been “heating up” (how’s that for a transition?!) here at
NW Works. I’m pleased to report that we’ve had a very busy month, and it looks like the
work will continue well into the summer.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
We’ve been working on a new special project for Pactiv Corporation (which employs
almost 30 of our workers daily!), and our Rubbermaid work and re-work has, after a slow
couple of months, picked up dramatically. Our mailroom is swamped with embossing
orders (go Susan!), and our regular mailroom customers, including American Woodmark
and Project Hope, have been very active as well. The NW Works woodworking department is at full capacity, with a new project from GE (reworking their chain line) and
on-going work from Henkel-Harris and the Shockey Company, and our survey stakes
continue to sell out almost as fast as we can make them. We also have more re-work
from GE coming soon, and when we have a bit of time, we have recycling to complete
for Berryville Graphics.
Lot to Celebrate
An Interview with Richard Hedrick
1
2
Employee of the Month
3
Community Partner
4
Under the Big Top
5
Tidbits
6
Our community employment department continues to excel, with placements at the
George Washington Hotel (terrific, Terry!), PERC (perfect, Patrick!), Pep Boys
(monumental, Michael!), NW Works Custodial Crew (right on, Robert!), Target (far out,
Farrah! Kool, Kelly!), TJ Maxx (alright, Alice! Go get ‘em, Gwen! Excellent, Elizabeth—
(named employee of the year!), Lowe’s (totally awesome, Tommy—now a mentor to other
new employees!), and the Fun Expedition (Too Cool, Troy!), and many more placements
pending. We also have an exciting new partnership with the Winchester and Frederick
County schools and the Department of Rehabilitation supporting young adults who are
interested in working in the community for the summer.
I’d also like to say a word of thanks to Russ Potts and his team for introducing us to so
many wonderful companies in the area, including Baugh Northeast, Family Dollar and
M & H Plastics. We hope to do business with you soon!
It’s such a blessing to see so many of our workers gainfully—and happily—employed; it
truly takes the feeling of “Independence Day” to new level! While I’m happy to say that we
have our work lined up for us, if you have or know of any other jobs that our team can
complete, we’d love to provide you with a no-hassle bid!
NW WORKS MISSION
To Enable Adults with
Disabilities to Select,
Secure, and Sustain Valued
Employment and Training
NW WORKS, INC.
Page 2
By Angela Schroyer
This month I would like to introduce you to Mr. Richard Hedrick. Mr. Hedrick is currently a member of the NW
Works Executive Board of Directors and also served in the past as President of the Board of Directors and
chaired the Human Resource Committee. I recently asked Mr. Hedrick some questions so that we could learn
a little bit more about him. Here’s what he had to say.
How did you first find out about NW Works?
The former Executive Director, Pia Crandell, wanted to create a pension plan for the NW Works employees and I
was asked to help implement our current plan. Once that was done, I was asked to join the Board to replace a board
member on the Personnel Committee who was relocating.
Why did you decide to join the NW Works Board?
NW Works is a wonderful organization that provides a needed service to our community and this was my opportunity
to learn more about creating work opportunities for adults with disabilities and it allowed me to give back to my
community. It has been a great experience and I have learned a lot about the organization and what it takes to keep it
going.
How long have you been an NW Works Board Member?
I’m not sure, but I think over 12 years. I started on the Board while I was the HR manager for Frederick County Public
Schools, from 1992 – 1997.
What is the most rewarding part about being an NW Works Board Member?
I enjoy seeing the smiling faces of the clients. They are so happy to be at work and being productive. When I’m having
a difficult day at work, it is a pleasure to see these clients so happy to be working. I’ve also met so many great people
who work there and board members who are also volunteering their time.
Where do you work and what do you do? How long have you been at your current job?
I have worked at American Woodmark Corporation for the past 11 years and I’m currently the Manager of Corp HR
Services which includes HR Systems, Corporate Benefits and College Recruiting/Training.
Can you give us some interesting information about yourself?
I’ve been married to Julie for 23 years, have 3 kids, Megan 21(senior at VA Tech), Michael, 19 (sophomore at VA
Tech) and Robbie, 15 (freshman at Sherando High School). I’ve been in Human Resources for the past 18 years,
have a master’s degree in Business Administration from Shenandoah and an undergraduate degree in Finance from
VA Tech.
NW WORKS, INC.
Page 3
By Dawna Tetteh and Vera Pistel
Tommy started as an internal NW Works, Inc. worker in March 1997. He worked on various enclaves while at the
WorkCenter. In August 2003, Tommy became a member of our Mobile Cleaning Crew. After being on the crew for
several years he asked the Supported Employment department to help him find a job in the community. He began
working at Lowe’s as a CSA Loader in September 2007. I recently asked Tommy some questions so that he
could tell everyone his success story.
After being on the crew so long, what made you decide to get a job in the community?
So I could make more money.
What was the hardest thing about leaving the Cleaning Crew and starting your job in the community at
Lowe’s?
Just starting a new job.
What did your family think when you decided to get a job in the community? Has their opinion changed?
They were happy for me and glad it worked out.
What steps did you have to go through to get your job? (How did you get your job?
Through Supported Employment and DRS. I did 2 interviews in 1 day and had to go back for a 3rd.
Tell me about your job. Explain what you have to do.
I help people load stuff in their cars. I go to the back and pull special orders, and I push carts. I think there
are 6-7 different types of carts.
What do you like best about your job?
It’s easy to make a schedule change when you need to most of the time.
What do you like the least about your job?
It gets frustrating sometimes, but I guess all jobs do that.
How did having a job coach help you with learning your job duties & responsibilities?
They helped me through all of the interviews. They helped me learn how to use the computer to clock in
and out and they helped me with learning how to pull special orders.
Would you recommend Supported Employment/Community placement to others?
Yes. It’s a good experience for everybody.
Founded in 1946, as a small hardware store, Lowe’s now has stores in all 50 states and Canada. Lowe’s is now
the 2nd largest home improvement retailer in the United States. Lowe’s values have not changed over the years.
They pride themselves on providing quality home improvement products and providing superior customer service.
I had the privilege of working as Tommy’s job coach at Lowe’s. They accepted Tommy as part of the team from
day one. They provided Tommy with a mentor to help him learn the ins and outs of his job as well as allowed me
to be there for extra support. Heather & Mary Ellen in the Human Resources department were very understanding
of Tommy’s unique training needs and were accepting of me being there to work with him to make him more successful. Tommy has mentioned several times how much he enjoys his job at Lowe’s and how friendly all the people are to him. Tommy’s supervisor Rachel has told me on numerous occasions that Tommy is doing a good job
and he’s a hard worker.
I want to thank Lowe’s for their patience and understanding in allowing me to come into their establishment to help
train with Tommy. I want to commend them for their team spirit and their open willingness to help me to help
Tommy to become successful with his job duties.
Page 4
NW WORKS, INC.
An Interview with Richard Hartman
From
American Woodmark
By Glenda Anderson
How did you hear about NW Works?
I was vaguely aware of NW Works from interaction within the Winchester community, but I became more acutely aware
of the organization’s services and mission through my contact with one of your board members, Richard Hedrick.
Do you have a previous history with working with people with disabilities?
No.
Describe what we do for American Woodmark.
Over the last few years, we have contracted NW Works to process bulk mailings. The most recent project consisted of
printing, collating and mailing an update of our 401 (k) Summary Plan Description to all plan participants.
How long have you worked with NW Works and how satisfied are you with our services?
I have personally worked with NW Works for two years, and I have been very pleased with the level of service and the
quality of the work.
Do you have any other comments you would like to share about NW Works?
NW Works allows us to contract projects that we are not equipped to undertake to an organization that provides opportunities for people with disabilities in our local area. They provide a cost effective alternative that serves the local community in a positive way.
Glenda also interviewed Karen Barton from American Woodmark asking the same questions.
How did you hear about NW Works?
I was contacted by Glenda Anderson.
Do you have a previous history with working with people with disabilities?
No.
Describe what we do for American Woodmark.
They cut molding sticks into pieces for our sample boxes.
How long have you worked with NW Works and how satisfied are you with our services?
About 20 years off and on. NW Works is flexible in working with us and committed to meeting or exceeding expectations.
Do you have other comments you would like to share about NW Works?
The people at NW Works are a pleasure to work with. It is nice to be able to accomplish our project and help the community at the same time.
NW WORKS, INC.
Page 5
HURRY HURRY! STEP RIGHT UP!
Mark your calendars for our upcoming Haunted Casino Night fundraiser. It’ll be more fun than a three-ring circus!
Jump on the bandwagon now and join the circus by donating items to NW Works for our fantastic silent auction that
will take place during Haunted Casino Night. *New items only, please.* If you have a gift certificate, a service, a
trip, artwork, or other interesting items that you would like to donate, or if you have any questions, please contact
Angela Schroyer at 540-667-0809 ext. 33 or by email at [email protected].
Thank you for your support of NW Works
TICKET SALES CALL ANGELA 540-667-0809
Page 6
NW WORKS, INC.
Napkins for all occasions , weddings, birthdays , or any celebration. Mention this ad and receive 10% off your
order.
Stop by our facility at 828 Smithfield Avenue or call Susan Ridgeway at 540-667-0809 and place your
napkin orders. We emboss napkins, matchbooks, ribbons, scratchpads, and playing cards.
Come by and purchase one of our popular Cookbooks! Makes the perfect gift.
NW Works’ “What’s Cooking” can be purchased for $10.00. This book is loaded with Helpful Hints, Pantry Basics, Herbs & Spices, and much more. There are lots of recipes that you will
enjoy cooking for your family and guest while supporting NWW’s building fund. Visit our web site at
www.nwworks.com or call 540-667-0809.
Winchester, VA 22601
828 Smithfield Avenue
NW Works, Inc.