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Local News - June 2002 |
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Rehab program seeks ‘first job’ By AL DOZIER, LTN Staff Writer June 26, 2002 - Leigh Guth of Salem Industries likes to use two words to explain her mission: “first job.” That’s what the rehabilitation program on Salem Church Road is all about, she told the Lincolnton Rotary Club Monday — finding clients their first job. The clients at Salem Indusries, some 60 of them ages 18 to 65, have developmental and sometimes physical disabilities. “They look a little different and some don’t speak carefully,” Guth said. “We look for what they can do and what they like to do. We build on their strengths.” Guth, who was named program director last year, said Salem Industries is no longer considered a “sheltered workshop” though for many years it carried that label. Today, it is focused on vocational training, and much of the work is accomplished through cooperative programs with local industries. The Timken Co., Alpharma and the Goodwill Store employ Salem clients in their operations. Dallas Pillow Co. and Katie Wood Inc. have also utilized the program. At Timken, clients assist in some simple mechanical assembly. They sort clothing at the Goodwill Store and package medical applications at Alpharma. The program provides job coaches who actually accompany the workers as they settle into a job assignment and assist them in learning the skills. Guth invites visits and inquiries from local industries about training programs. “We have capable people who want to go to work,” she said. “We have staff that are going to work with that employee and make sure the work is successful.” Guth said area industries should also realize Salem Industries can do “high quality outsourcing” on projects they may not want to undertake in- house. For many years Salem Industries was operated by the area mental health association, Pathways, but was taken over in 2000 by Gaston Skills Inc., a private non-profit organization based in Dallas. The change has underscored the mission of finding a vocation for all clients. It remains very much a Lincoln County organization, Guth said, with four board members from Lincoln. ————— For more information, call Guth at 704-732-1516
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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