Cardinal Service's Lootens Wins National AwardVickie Lootens has a passion for what she does for a living.
Lootens is the manager of the Career Links program at Cardinal Services. That program helps people with disabilities become employed.
And the work doesn't stop there. Before a Cardinal Services client is hired somewhere, the program helps the client write resumés. Once the client is hired, job training goes on at no cost to the employer.While Lootens said her ultimate goal of placing every client into a job isn't there yet, she was recently recognized for her efforts.
Lootens was given the national Rebecca McDonald award by the Association for People in Supported Employment at a conference last week in Milwaukee.
She was also the recipient of the Rebecca McDonald award in Indiana.
McDonald was an advocate for supported employment and was with APSE for 11 years before dying in August 1999 of breast cancer.
People throughout the United States and other countries are nominated for the award every year.
APSE is an advocacy organization with state chapters as well as chapters in other countries that in part helps raise awareness of people with disabilities in the workplace.
"We've been averaging 35 placements a year," said Lootens. "We have a very good base in Kosciusko County. And this county is very philanthropic in nature."
Lootens said she hopes to have everyone she serves not only find jobs but keep them. There are currently two job developers on staff and she is thinking of adding a part-time position.
But the jobs Lootens and staff help put people in must pay a fair wage.
"We won't place anyone unless they are making minimum wage or higher,' said Lootens.
"I have a real passion for this job," said Lootens. "One in five people have a disability. 80 percent of people with disabilities who are not working said they want to work. Our goal is everyone with a disability who wants to work is hired."
One way Lootens hopes to increase that number is by getting in on the Kosciusko Business Leaders Network with Lake City Bank.
The group meets monthly and is the fast growing business leadership group in the state.
Lootens said the group will help her increase contacts for possible employers as well as help employers understand the program and American with Disabilities Act laws.
Lootens lives in Rochester with her husband Greg and two sons, Coby and Tyler.
For more information visit www.cardinalcenter.org/adultservicesworking.html
