Congressmen Jason Smith (above) and Lacy Clay (below) spoke with workshop employees Nick Beauchaine of Industrial Aid in St. Louis and Amy Easter of MCII in Farmington during Missouri Day on the Hill.

Missouri Day on the Hill Promotes Workshop Success Nationally

by MASWM President Bruce Young

On July 14, MASWM, along with the Porter Group and ACCSES, hosted our very first Missouri Day on the Hill.

This was our first major opportunity to provide some of our employees and their families the chance to share their stories firsthand with the Missouri Delegation. There were over 22 in attendance that included employees, parents, family and Board members and, of course, workshop managers and staff. It was undoubtedly a huge success.

We started the day with a breakfast at the Porter House, which is literally across the street from the Congressional parking garage. After breakfast, we headed over to the Capital, where our busy day began. We met with a good number of our Missouri Delegation in a special meeting room next to the Senate Chambers. Both Senator Blunt and Congressman Billy Long came by and heard from several members of our delegation. Jon Porter, Randy, Mike and Kate McSweeny of ACCSES  did a tremendous job of explaining the importance of Missouri’s extended employment program.

The stars of the day were our employees and their families. By the time Amy and her father, Joe, finished their story of just how important work was for Amy, there was not a dry eye in the room. Lynn and Nick also shared their story about what work means to them. When our employees and their families are able to speak to the importance of work, it puts a totally different and very personal perspective on this very important issue.

Later, Senator Blunt and Congressman Long both made it very clear that they were in full support of Missouri’s extended employment program. Since July 14th was the last day of the summer session, we had to walk to several other offices in order to meet with the rest of the delegation. At times we had to split up, and, at one point, even run through the Capital to make all of these appointments. I want to personally thank everyone who participated and helped make Missouri Day on the Hill such a tremendous succes, including everyone from the Missouri Delegation and staff members who helped immensely.

­­The self-esteem and dignity of working and being productive is a very simple right, which cannot be denied or overlooked. Our employees should not be forced to sit at home and/or participate in a much more restrictive nonproductive day program situation. They should be allowed to choose where they live and work, just like everyone else.

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MASWM The Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers
If you have questions, please contact:
President Tim Poepsel – (573) 503-0000 or tpoepsel@empacgroupinc.com
or Legislative Chair Kit Brewer – (314) 647-3300 or cbrewer@cuinc.org