It has the hums and rhythms of any manufacturing floor at any company in Anytown, USA. But what separates CCI, located on the campus of Cardinal Services, isn’t measured merely in value or quality of work. It can’t even be measured in the fact that many working on mailers or putting parts together are living with developmental disabilities. The employees at CCI work through a program called Sheltered Employment and do outsourced manufacturing work. Whether it’s putting together parts for Chore Time Brock or working on mailers for RR Donnelley, the pride and care they show, combined with excellent quality and care, makes CCI second to none. March is recognized as Disability Awareness Month. “The ideal is very everyone to go out and get a job,” said Michelle Boxell, community relations manager for Cardinal Services. “But that isn’t the reality.” For some, working at CCI may be a stepping stone to one day working a job in the private sector. For many others, CCI is the destination. “A lot of it is staying on task,” said Norma Bauer, day services coordinator for Cardinal Services. “That bleeds into learning socialization and developing a lot of self confidence.” But while those working at CCI are learning important life skills and taking pride in something they do, they are also providing valuable services to local companies. During busier times, CCI will churn out 36,000 parts for Chore-Time Brock a day. “Just like any of us, going to work gives meaning to our day. They are capable,” said Boxell. “They just want a chance to do whatever they can do.” Boxell said this sort of program beats how people with developmental disabilities would have been treated even 30 years ago. Many would be living at state institutions. “The pride the folks take in their work is truly amazing,” said Boxell. And for some, the experience they gain at CCI will help them out in the work force. Boxell said for those clients who have gone out from CCI, the reviews from businesses have been rave. “Employers call and say, ‘They never complain, they never call in sick, they’re always on time’,” said Boxell. “They say they wish all their employees could be this happy.” Support doesn’t end for the clients once they’re out in the workforce. A Career Link program staff comes in and can do training or support if a client is having trouble. Jay Tate serves as the general manager for CCI. Tate formerly worked in the auto industry and owned his own small business. He said the work he’s doing with CCI is the most fulfilling of his career. “It makes it very easy to sleep at night,” said Tate. Tate is charged with keeping people on task but also teaching them the values of what they are doing. CCI runs 85 people working two shifts. The work is done and the compensation is due through time studies. For example, if someone makes a certain part 100 times in an hour on average they can earn $7.84 an hour. For those more high functioning they can earn more than that. Those with severe disabilities may never reach that number and make less. But the money they do earn may allow them to buy a pop or pay their own way into a movie on a Friday night. Tate reminds them every Friday that it’s payday. “Their faces light up,” said Tate. But Tate also sees a huge amount of talent on his work floor. “I’d put these guys up against any facility in Warsaw,” said Tate. “Their quality is extraordinary.” And Tate said he encourages local business looking to outsource jobs that could be better done, at a better cost through CCI, to contact him. The floor of CCI is also bringing some of the country’s best and brightest together. Last year, a group of Notre Dame mechanical engineering students did their senior project through CCI. They were charged with developing a machine that allowed a Cardinal client, who has only the use of one arm, to work in assembly. The machine still has some kinks to be worked out so now 11 engineering co-ops from different local orthopedic companies are coming into to put the machine to full use.One of CCI’s success stories is a young man by the name of Ryan. Ryan works diligently at CCI, putting together parts and quality checking for most mornings. Then he splits his time bagging groceries at Owen’s. He likes working at CCI but he said he loves getting out and working with people at Owen’s. It’s not all good news though. Work is needed to come in to keep a steady flow. Also, a recession caused federal money to be cut to Medicaid, which is a big funder of programs like that which Cardinal Services offers. Some people lost their jobs, belts were tightened, but Boxell said they will continue to do what’s best for their clients. “Anyone that wants a job, that wants to work we’ll find something for them,” said Boxell. And in return, those men and women, otherwise neglected too often by society, will give their all.
