Meet the NPAs: Spotlight on NISH’s SouthCentral Region

Building a Legacy: The Herkimer ARC Times Square Flag Project

Linden’s Vets Ready2Work Program Provides Employment Solutions and Hope

May 2012

NISH

Workplace

May 2012 | 3

The Workforce Inclusive

The Nonprofit Agency Link William Coleman, Jr., Chair

E. Robert ChamberlinPresident and CEO, NISH

NISH Board of DirectorsElmer Cerano, Immediate Past ChairPaul Atkinson, Chair Elect Frederick Beaman, SecretaryBrenda Yarnell, TreasurerJerry Bettenhausen Peter BernsDean EmersonFrederick FreseJim Gibbons David GonzalesStephen Katsurinis Steven KingMike KivitzAmy LuttrellThomas MillerRhea Nelson Barbara NurenbergSteve PerdueBelinda Porras Wes Tyler Frederick Williams

Editorial CommitteePaul AtkinsonMegan BranchNancyellen GentileGisele McAuliffeLisa WardTony Young

Managing Editor Vatrice Jones vjones@nish.org

Contributing Feature Writers Chianti Cleggett Rachel Crowell Sarah Gray Heather Loveridge Gisele McAuliffe

Volume 37, No. 5May 2012Workplace is published monthly by NISH, 8401 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA 22182. NISH is a nonprofit organization that supports the AbilityOne® Program to assist nonprofit agencies in employing people with significant disabilities by obtaining federal contracts. If you would like additional information on any subject in Workplace, contact Vatrice Jones at corpcomm@nish.org. Address corrections or additions should be mailed to the managing editor at the above address; please include the old mailing label. Reproduction of material in Workplace with permission is encouraged.

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The Federal Insight

Meet the NPAs: Spotlight on NISH’s South Central RegionEncompassing states as diverse as the Lone Star State, the Show Me State and the Natural State, NISH’s South Central Region contains a variety of nonprofit agencies (NPA). Each one is unique–providing everything from cargo tie down straps to janitorial services. Here’s a look at Colorado-based Pueblo Diversified Industries (PDI) as well as Kansas-based Cottonwood Industries, Inc.

NISH and GSA Sign Alliance to Renew Commitment

View from Washington

Public Policy Corner

Building a Legacy: The Herkimer ARC Times Square Flag Project

Team Goodwill Participates in the 37th Annual Culinary Arts Competition

Challenge Enterprises Goes ‘Out of the Box’

Linden’s Vets Ready2Work Program Provides Employment Solutions and Hope

4 President’s Message 5 AbilityOne Procurement Champion 15 PL Additions 22 AbilityOne Program Success Story 23 Hats Off

On the cover: In 1999, Cottonwood received its first NISH contract and began producing cargo tie down strap CGU-1/b. Since then, they’ve created more than 6.5 million straps for DLA Aviation.

President’s Message

E. Robert Chamberlin NISH President and CEO

Smart Business Strategies Inspire and Tap Into the Ingenuity of High School Students

“In these challenging

economic times,

tapping into the

ingenuity of students

is a smart business

strategy as it lowers

costs for the CRP and

fosters a long term

support relationship.”

4 | NISH WORKPLACE

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of participating in the high school finals of the AbilityOne® Design Challenge. After a comprehensive evaluation of all the entries, five teams were selected from hundreds of schools across the United States. Team members, as well as their coaches and/or advisors, were invited to Washington, D.C. to demonstrate the assistive technologies they designed to empower people with disabilities in the workplace.

Every year, we are moved by the number of students who are totally committed to helping people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment. Enthusiasm for this event has expanded to the media as well; for the second year, Washington, D.C. Fox Channel 5 conducted a live broadcast from the event.

This year, the high number of high schools who reached out to Commu-nity Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) and designed a device directly for the employees was particularly impres-sive. The winning team, Poolesville High School, created the Newspa-per Packing Device for Community Support Services, a CRP located in Gaithersburg, Md. This device helps a person with a disability fold and insert a newspaper into a plastic bag. The students worked one-on-one with numerous employees to create a relatively simple device that not only increased productivity, but also opened the employment opportunity to additional people with disabilities.

What made this device even more remarkable was its universal design. It could increase the productivity of any person (with or without a disability) performing a bagging or similar job; and it could also be used for a multi-tude of packing or other manufactur-ing purposes.

Another finalist team, Wallenpaupack High School from Hawley, Penn., also worked with a CRP, ServiceSource, who

had inquired about a device they found while searching in the Resource Library on the Institute for Economic Empow-erment (Institute’s) Web site to aid their mailroom employees. They located the Wallenpaupack’s 2007 design challenge winning device and contacted the school in hopes that its students could help them build a new one. This led to additional communication and Servic-eSource asked the school to help them on another project. Wallenpaupack created the Mail Counter, a device that helps employees with dyscalculia (brain disorder that impairs ability in making arithmetical calculations) count mail using an infrared sensor and, subse-quently, the team placed second in the 2012 Design Challenge.

The Institute’s Resource Library, an online databank of assistive technologies, systems and best practices, is an excellent resource for all CRPs. Included in the library are 10 years of Design Challenge winning devices and systems in place at other CRPs, as well as management practices and other procedures to increase productivity. (www.institute-forempowerment.org/library)

In these challenging economic times, tapping into the ingenuity of students is a smart business strategy as it lowers costs for the CRP and fosters a long term support relationship. Addition-ally, it inspires students and provides them an awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities -- a concept that they will never forget.

I strongly encourage all CRPs to take advantage of this “win-win” oppor-tunity and reach out to high schools and universities in your community. It is a wonderful opportunity to help employees overcome barriers to employment while also increasing their productivity. At the same time, it creates an avenue for students to apply their talents and skills to make a positive impact on the life of a person with a disability! H

May 2012 | 5

Procurement Champion

This is an AbilityOne® Procurement Champion!Director, Contracting Division, Walla Walla DistrictNorthwestern Division, USACE Walla Walla, Wash.

Since first learning about the AbilityOne® Program in 2000, Ruthann Haider has become a strong proponent of the program. Whether it’s oversee-ing existing contracts or seeking new projects to add to the procurement list, she does whatever she can to ensure the program’s success.

As director of the United States Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) contract-ing division, Walla Walla district, Haider manages all contracting activities for the district and serves as the district’s business advisor on all contractual matters. When she first began working there two years ago, she supervised two existing AbilityOne contracts. Both provided custodial services for the corps of engineers district and Lewiston. Since then she’s been instrumental in adding three more projects: custodial and grounds for Millcreek; grounds mainte-nance services for USACE and custodial services for McNary Dam.

Occasionally, Haider has respond to customers who are concerned about implementing an AbilityOne Program contract. Her 14 years of contract-ing experience and with NISH and the program have provided her with valuable insights.

“When customers aren’t sure AbilityOne contractors will perform for them, I explain the program. I reassure customers that no one is hired to perform the work who is not capable of doing the work and also that there are program managers overseeing the work,” Haider said.

“The longevity of AbilityOne’s contracting also really makes it unique and beneficial to our customers. Estab-lishing a relationship with AbilityOne allows us to put a long-term contract in place that keeps our customers’ costs down and the disruption of changing contractors to a minimum.”

Haider also works closely with NISH’s Northwest Region’s Contract Manage-ment team to help improve contract administration and the success of current projects. In addition, she’s hosted a NISH training session and educated her staff about the program.

“Her support of the program is seen in her staff’s contract administration of current and future projects and their teamwork has been exceptional. In addition, Haider has reached out to learn about newer lines of business in hopes of growing their current AbilityOne procurement portfolio,” said Michelle Rondenet, manager, Business Develop-ment, NISH Northwest Region. “Also, in the interest of growing the program, Haider has referred several projects to the NISH Northwest Region. Not all these projects came to fruition due to remote

location, but Haider shared her acquisi-tion plan openly in hopes of finding suitable matches for the program.”

Haider supports AbilityOne not only because it’s a win/win for her custom-ers, but also because she personally believes in it.

“We are employing local people in our community. They have a worthwhile job and have pride in their ability to perform much needed and meaning-ful work and make a decent wage,” she said. “I am committed to helping anyone with a disability feel as much a part of their community as possible and I am especially committed to any program that puts a wounded warrior to work. I am a veteran and I believe it is my duty as a soldier to help my fellow soldiers whenever I can.”

It’s that dedication and desire to help others, especially those with significant disabilities, that makes Haider stand out.

“Haider is a champion of the AbilityOne Program through her support of existing contracts as well as her referral of additional AbilityOne projects,” said Rick Van Hoose, execu-tive director of the NISH North-west Region. “She has expanded the presence of AbilityOne in her local area, thus increasing work opportuni-ties for people with disabilities through the support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”

NISH extends sincere thanks to Ruthann Haider for her dedication and support of the AbilityOne Program. H

Comments regarding AbilityOne Procurement Champion articles and nominations can be addressed to Rachel Crowell, specialist, Marketing, at rcrowell@nish.org.

Haider Helps Expand AbilityOne Program in the Northwest RegionBy Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

Procurement Champion

6 | NISH WORKPLACE

This is an AbilityOne® Procurement Champion!Col. Scott SvabekCommander and Principle Assistant Responsible for ContractingU.S. Army Medical CommandSan Antonio, Texas

As commander and principal assis-tant responsible for contracting (PARC) of the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) Health-care Acquisition Activity, Col. Scott Svabek, has more than a few responsibilities. On top of serving as PARC and principal staff advisor for procurement to the Army’s office of the surgeon general, he also formu-lates and executes an operating budget of $24 million and provides leadership and guidance to more than 299 military and civilian employees, in addition to several other duties.

Despite his various obligations, Col.Svabek has proven himself to be an ardent AbilityOne Procurement Champion. Throughout his 12 years in the contracting field, his work has made a significant impact in several NISH regions.

“It’s not often that a person goes above and beyond in their efforts to promote the program like Colonel Svabek has,” South Region Senior Project Manager Roxie Dotson commented. “He has supported the AbilityOne Program through major efforts to add hospital housekeeping services to the procurement list (PL) whenever possible.”

Col. Svabek made a significant contri-bution when he helped add two hospitals, Martin Army Community and Ireland Army Community to the Procurement List. These two contracts resulted in a total of 110.34 full time job equivalents (FTEs) for people with disabilities.

In the East Region, he supported the retention of an existing AbilityOne contract at DeWitt Army hospital for 72.92 FTEs, along with encouraging a pilot project for the rehabilitation of wounded warriors in medical facili-ties.

While Col. Svabek does not sign the contracts personally, he finds other ways to support the AbilityOne Program. He makes a point to person-ally meet with hospital commanders at potential new sites for contracts and has even asked his deputy to train commanders about the benefits of the AbilityOne Program—a service he has provided for the South Central Region on several occasions.

Ace Burt, President and CEO of Enter-prise Professional Services, Inc. has worked with Col. Svabek for the past 11 years.

“Scott’s ‘Let’s make it happen’ attitude and belief in partnering are unmatched in my 27-year career in Department of Defense contract-ing. He has set the stage for future growth for persons with significant disabilities for many years to come,” stated Burt.

It has not always been smooth sailing, however. Col. Svabek has faced resis-tance along the way.

“Each issue has its own unique challenge of refuting. I found that if you are honest with the customer, focus strictly on facts and remove passion and personality from the equation, the program will speak for itself.”

Carroll Schubert, President and CEO of Professional Contract Services, Inc., met Col. Svabek in 2007 while PCSI was providing services on the Evans Army Community hospital contract. Schubert added, “Some of the resis-tance comes from the concern that people with disabilities might not be able to perform hospital housekeep-ing tasks. Because of Colonel Svabek’s efforts to support AbilityOne, other customers and contracting officers’ are learning the true value of employing people with disabilities.”

For Svabek, the value of employing people with disabilities is two-fold. “The way I see it, if the performance is good and the price fair and reason-able, we have a partner for life. In

Col. Svabek Shows Support Across AmericaBy Rachel Crowell, specialist, Marketing, NISH National

Champion continued on page 15

May 2012 | 7

South Central Region NPAs

Meet the NPAs: Spotlight on NISH’s SouthCentral Region

Meet the NPAs:

Meet the NPAs continued on page 8

Encompassing states as diverse as the Lone Star State, the Show Me State and the Natural State, NISH’s South Central Region contains a variety of nonprofit agencies (NPA). Each one is unique – providing everything from cargo tie down straps to janitorial services. Here’s a look at Colorado-based Pueblo Diversified Industries (PDI) as well as Kansas-based Cottonwood Industries, Inc.

By Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

8 | NISH WORKPLACE

South Central Region NPAs

F or 40 years, Cottonwood Inc., a NISH-affiliated nonprofit agency (NPA) located

in Lawrence, Kan., has been dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities in Kansas’ Douglas and Jefferson counties. Today, Cottonwood connects individ-uals of all ages with significant disabilities to the many services available in the two counties and supports more than 580 individuals with significant disabilities.

In 1999, Cottonwood received its first NISH contract and began producing cargo tie down strap CGU-1/b. Since then, they’ve created more than 6.5 million straps for Defense Logis-tic Agency (DLA) Aviation in Richmond, Va. and provided work for more than 140 people with significant disabilities.

“We’ve maintained the Gold Medal standards of 100 percent quality and 100 percent on-time deliveries for the last 12 consecutive years and have been awarded three Defense Logistics Agency outstanding achievement awards,” said

Sharon Spratt, CEO of Cottonwood. “We’re currently in our third, five-year AbilityOne® contract. We’re proud of how we’re able to help people with significant disabilities through our partnership with NISH and AbilityOne.”

Cottonwood offers many services to the commu-nity including center-based work contracts, community employment, enrichment and retirement services, residential services and case management services.

Over the years, Cottonwood has made a difference in the lives of many people, includ-ing Andy Campbell. He has a developmental disability due to experiencing two strokes as an infant, Campbell has also been diagnosed with moderate mental retardation and a second-ary diagnosis of cerebral palsy and seizure disorder. Campbell began working on the AbilityOne strap contract in 2001. Since then, he’s gained invaluable skills including develop-ing better communication techniques, avoid-ing frustration and becoming a productive employee.

Cottonwood Industries, Inc.

(Left) Aerial shot of Cottonwood’s facilities (Right) Cargo tie down straps produced by NISH-affiliated nonprofit agency Cottonwood.

May 2012 | 9

South Central Region NPAs

Campbell works on the AbilityOne contract held by Cottonwood on a regular basis. His favorite job is to put a 3.4 pound cargo tie down strap into a labeled polybag and give it to another person to seal before being placed in a shipping box. He does this despite not having the full use of one arm.

“The AbilityOne contract at Cotton-wood has provided Andy with an opportunity to grow in his work and personal abilities,” Spratt said. “He understands the importance of being friendly and working hard to achieve a high-quality product. The confidence that he has from figuring out how to work hard consistently overflows into many aspects of his life.”

Started by a group of parents with adult children with significant disabilities in the mid 1960’s, PDI has significantly grown since then. Based in Pueblo, Colo., PDI provides a variety of products and services, including contract manufacturing and assembly, custodial services, vinyl manufacturing and contract packaging. Everything the NPA

does is designed to provide needed services and support to those with significant disabilities and in turn produce quality products and services for their customers.

“Our affiliation with NISH and the AbilityOne Program over the last 35 years has helped countless individu-als with significant disabilities grow, live, work and embrace life by providing the work experience and income they need,” said Karen Lillie, PDI’s CEO. “Those opportunities allow individuals to see themselves and be themselves in the same way that we all do and, in addition, has allowed PDI to expand the range of both services and opportunities to those individuals.”

Two years ago, PDI was selected to be the new post-wide janitorial services AbilityOne provider at Fort Carson, Colo. The contract now provides about 70,000 annualized direct labor hours for individuals with significant disabilities.

Pueblo Diversified Industries (PDI)

Left to right: Cottonwood’s Andy Campbell places a cargo tie down strap into a polybag.

Meet the NPAs continued on page 10

Both Brian R. and Darren C. work on PDI’s Fort Carson contract.

10 | NISH WORKPLACE

Over the years, PDI has produced many successful employees, thanks to the AbilityOne Program. Brian R. is one such individual. Brian started as a janitor on the Fort Carson contract and was eventually moved to garrison headquarters. While there, he and his cleaning partner, Tino, won two separate awards for performing exceptionally well. One of the awards, A Hero Award, was presented in a special ceremony with Acting Senior Commander 4th ID, Brigadier General James H. Doty Jr. and Colonel Todd Heussner, Task Force Ivy Commander as presenters.

Since then, Brian has continued to build his skills and abilities and has been promoted to driver/lead position.

Other PDI success stories include Darren C., also from the Fort Carson contract. For a number of years,

Darren struggled through various jobs that never seemed to quite work out. Most were low paying and didn’t provide much support. Darren came to PDI about five years ago and began working in-house on AbilityOne products contracts. He was then moved to a community-based supported employment setting. Today, Darren is at Fort Carson and enjoying being part of the team.

Along with the Fort Carson contract, PDI has also partnered with AbilityOne to provide work opportu-nities on the products side. Since the 1980’s, PDI has produced key tags, flight crew check list binders, sewing kits and equipment log books and given many individuals with signifi-cant disabilities the opportunity to have meaningful employment.

“Because we’ve been able to provide adaptive equipment and modify work instructions to suit the individual, we’ve averaged about 60,000 direct labor hours a year on

AbilityOne products alone,” Lillie said. “We received a commendation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in 2005 for our efforts in adaptive equip-ment design and implementation.”

Both of these NPAs are a vital part of the AbilityOne Program. Thanks to them, hundreds of people with signifi-cant disabilities have been able to find more than just work. They’ve been given the opportunity to excel and develop new skills that allow them to succeed not only at work but also in their personal lives. H

“Our affiliation with NISH

and the AbilityOne® Program

over the last 35 years has

helped countless individuals

with significant disabilities

grow, live, work and embrace

life by providing the work

experience and income they

need. Those opportunities

allow individuals to see

themselves and be themselves

in the same way that we

all do and, in addition,

has allowed PDI to expand

the range of both services

and opportunities to those

individuals.”

— Karen Lillie CEO PuebloDiversifiedIndustries

South Central Region NPAs

Meet the NPAs continued from page 9

Above: One of PDI’s employees, Amy, working intently.

Left: Fort Carson’s Hero Award ceremony honoring PDI’s Brian R.

Below: Flight crew binders produced by PDI.

That’s sustainability.Through the use of high efficiency washers, low emissions grounds maintenance equipment, carwashes that only require a single cup of water, and environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices, AbilityOne’s services and products meet the needs of our customers while reducing the impact on the environment.

For over 70 years the Program has met demanding Federal contract requirements for quality products and services at a fair market price. In addition, AbilityOne enables people who are blind or have other significant disabilities to be independent and productive citizens.

Learn more about going green with the AbilityOne Program at

sustainability

AbilityOne.org/green

AbilityOne employee, Luke Grossman, Norfolk, VA

Laundry services that save 125 million gallons of water, and 3.3 million kWh’s of electricity every year.

US Continues Implementation of Health Reform Law

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued two reports late March on the current status of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the health reform law enacted in March of 2010. The first report, “ACA: A Brief Overview of the Law, Implementation, and Legal Challenges,” outlines what the law does, what regulations are needed (and their status) to implement the law, and the numerous legislative and legal challenges facing PPACA. The second report, “Affordable Care Act: Litigation Resources,” pulls together information and resources on the law’s journey through the judicial system.

The CRS overview of the health reform law notes that PPACA, when fully implemented in 2014, would provide important protection to people with disabilities, including the one that prevents health insurers from denying coverage to people with preexisting conditions, or from charging such people more for their health insurance. Individuals’ access through exchanges to “affordable, quality” health insurance is another provisionof the law of key importance to people with disabilities.

The report goes on to outline the repeated challenges—legislative and judicial—that the law has faced in the two years since its enactment. On March 26-28, 2012, the Supreme Court heard three days of oral argument over its constitutionality. The Supreme Court plans to rule in June regarding the constitutionality of the health care coverage mandates. The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to repeal the law in its entirety. The Republican leader in the Senate says repeal of the

health reform law will be the Senate GOP’s first priority if Republicans win control of the Senate after the November elections.

The House has also voted to repeal elements of the law, including the agency Independent Payment Advisory Board tasked with implementing cost controls over Medicare. The House also passed legislation to repeal the CLASS program (a federal insurance program that would provide long-term and disability benefits to the workers participating in it). The Administration has suspended work on implementing CLASS, finding it needed statutory changes—which all view as virtually impossible in the current political climate—to make it both self-sustaining financially and appealing to a broad enough swath of workers to create a workable insurance pool.

Other repeal bills—aimed at the individual mandate, employer responsibility rules, and various taxes (some of which—like information reporting requirements—have already been repealed)—are pending in both the House and Senate. There have been numerous hearings and attempts to block implementation of PPACA by denying funding to the agencies charged with implementing the law.

However, despite these challenges, the CRS report notes, implementation of the health reform law’s elements continues. The three federal agencies (Department of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury) tasked with writing PPACA implementing regulations have released a plethora of proposed and final rules. Pending proposed and final regulations include rules on:• What constitutes “affordable” health insurance

• What benefits must be included in “qualified” health insurance plans• How States (and the federal government) will establish the exchanges through which people will be able to buy qualified affordable health insurance plans• Grandfathered health insurance plans• How employers will determine whether the insurance they offer is qualified and affordable (and/or how to pay the fines that will be assessed if they don’t)

Despite these many regulations, many more are needed. The States must enact laws and adopt rules to implement their PPACA-imposed responsibilities. Some States are moving forward more quickly than others. Some are waiting to see if the Supreme Court upholds PPACA, or strikes it down as unconstitutional, in whole or in part.

For people with significant disabilities, the stakes from the health reform law were high when it was enacted, and remain high now as legal and legislative challenges will determine whether the law remains on the books. Perhaps an even bigger challenge will be the response that will be needed if only parts of PPACA are repealed and/or found to be unconstitutional. Because of the interconnectedness of the massive law, there is the potential for real economic damage if one part (e.g., the individual mandate or the employer responsibility rules) is found unconstitutional.

For example, there is real concern about what happens to the rule that outlaws use of preexisting conditions—a rule of seminal importance to people with

May 2012 | 13

View from

The Federal Insight

By Tony Young, senior public policy strategist, NISH; and Danea M. Kehoe, Esq.

View fromWashington continued on page 15

May 2012 | 15

disabilities—if healthy individuals are not required to buy health insurance before they get sick, or if employers are not required to offer affordable, qualified health insurance to their workers.

Against this backdrop, the survival of PPACA is also a key issue in the November elections. Many candidates are running on promises to repeal or protect the law. Others are promising to modify it.

Health care and health insurance together account for about 1/6 of the U.S. economy. Virtually every American—whether or not they have disabilities—is affected by the rules governing access to health care, and its financing. The evolution of PPACA—from enactment, to regulatory implementation, to resolution of the legislative and judicial challenges to it—has been and remains a key concern to people with significant disabilities, their caregivers, and their advocates.

addition, by employing people on the social welfare system, we’re helping those people contribute to the system instead,” he said. “That’s my strategic vision for my command. ‘U.S. Army MEDCOM, we not only heal our warriors, we help employ them.’”

The AbilityOne Program has found a lifelong partner in Col. Svabek and wants to thank him for his many years of hard work, dedication and support.

Comments regarding AbilityOne Procurement Champion articles and nominations can be addressed to Rachel Crowell, specialist, Marketing at rcrowell@nish.org.

Products

Pallet, Treated Wood, 70’’ x 42’’NSN(s): 3990-00-NSH-0078U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Prison SystemWashington, DC Contracting Officer: Staci CardWashington, DC(845) 386-6851Nonprofit Agency: Willamette Valley Rehabilita-tion Center, Inc.Lebanon, OR

View fromWashington continued from page 13

Champion continued from page 6

Procurement List Additions

16 | NISH WORKPLACE

By Tony Young, senior public policy strategist, and Danea M. Kehoe, Esq.

The Federal Insight

PUBLIC POLICYCORNER

By Tony Young, senior public policy strategist

The Senate’s Special Committee on Aging explored the nation’s long-term supports needs in mid-April. At a hearing chaired by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), Senators heard witnesses recommend better use of Medicare and Medicaid resources, and greater reliance on (and incentives for) private sector solutions to address the need for long term supports by the community of people with disabilities and seniors.

The witnesses at the hearing emphasized the need for additional resources to address the special needs of people with disabilities. For example, Judy Feder, a public policy professor and formerly the dean of Georgetown Public Policy Institute, recommended that lawmakers encourage Medicare to give “top priority” to initiatives that are aimed at people with chronic health conditions and functional limitations. One Medicare cost control that Feder discussed was the current regulation that holds a skilled nursing facility accountable for “inappropriate hospital admissions of long term nursing home residents.” Another witness, Bruce Chernof, president and chief executive officer of the SCAN Foundation (an independent charitable group that deals with long term supports issues), told the Senators that more federal help for long term supports is necessary. Further limits on federal long term supports spending, he said, “would clearly worsen, rather than improve, current long term supports financing deficiencies. Failure to adequately finance a long term supports safety net also carries a price. It is the inevitable deterioration in care for growing

numbers of people unable to care for themselves. Whether this is a price the nation can tolerate is a question yet to be squarely addressed.”

Challenging this viewpoint was the president of American Action Forum (a conservative think tank) and former director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Douglas Holtz-Eakin. He warned Senators, “We cannot commit the taxpayers to additional long term supports spending.” Instead, he recommended that Congress look for ways to encourage individuals to address their long term supports needs through tax-favored long term care insurance. He suggested that more tax deductions or credits for long term care insurance would not only result in pre-funding the need for long term supports, but would also improve the nation’s savings rate.

In-home long term supports services is another approach that lawmakers should consider, testified Loren Colman, assistant commissioner for continuing care at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. He noted his own state’s “significant strides” in achieving a state-wide infrastructure to support long term supports needs. He noted Minnesota’s program includes a substantial percentage of their beneficiaries receiving care in their homes.

Other testimony focused on the role of private long term care insurance in meeting the nation’s long term supports needs. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) director of health care and insurance, John O’Brien, exemplified the significant role private

insurance can play by describing the federal workforce’s long term care insurance benefit. The federal program, which began in 2002, had grown to some 224,000 participants by 2009, he said.

The hearing was scheduled to respond to a void in long term supports programs that resulted from the suspension of work on the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program last year. The failure of the CLASS program (enacted in 2010 in the health reform law), combined with the growing cost of long term supports needs, means Congress must take a serious and comprehensive look at how the government can help people with disabilities and the aged meet these needs, Sen. Kohl said.

Sen. Kohl reported that current Medicare spending on long term supports exceeds $300 billion per year. Spending by Medicaid is significantly higher—projected to reach $1.9 trillion over the next 10 years. More than 14 percent of personal health care service expenditures in 2009 went for long term supports, he said, noting that most of this was paid by Medicaid or Medicare. The cost of long term supports services are massive, both for families and for taxpayers, Sen. Kohl said.

“While two of our largest publicly-financed health care programs, Medicaid and Medicare, currently pay for the bulk of long term care,” Sen. Kohl said, “they are limited in scope. And, private long term care insurance has the potential to play a larger role,

Senate Aging Committee Examines Long-Term Support Issues

Public Policy Corner continued on page 23

The Nonprofit Agency Link

May 2012 | 17

If you talk to Suzanne Bakiewicz, director, National Business Devel-opment Herkimer Industries (HI) in Herkimer, N.Y.—an AbilityOne® Producing nonprofit agency (NPA)—she agrees with the old adage: “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” That is—a Wil Kuhnlenz, NISH director, Business Development, Partnership and Alliances. Kuhnlenz and the NISH team were important advocates in helping to bring together partners to complete a project to place LED American flag renditions in Times Square—all within a very tight timeline from August to December 2011.

The challenge: to provide the landmark Time Square Armed Forces Recruit-ing Station in New York City with a new face—a modern, more accurate portrayal of the American Flag and to increase energy efficiency of the facility. The project required electrical

engineering design, creation, and installation of two, 14’ x 33’ LED American Flags affixed to each side of the 520-sq. ft. walk-in station, which is the single most successful station in the country, playing an important role in the recruiting effort for the Armed Forces.

“Wil Kuhnlenz and the entire NISH team are an outstanding group to work with,” said Bakiewicz. “Their many years of background knowledge and experience in exceeding the expecta-tions of federal agencies provided unparalleled support for this project. I look forward to working together with this team on future projects whether they are AbilityOne or non-AbilityOne opportunities.”

The partners involved in the American Flag project included the Herkimer ARC, Herkimer Industries, Fiberdyne Labs, Inc., Intercontinental Develop-

ment Corporation, NISH, the US Army Corp of Engineers, and the United States Armed Forces.

Herkimer ARC President and CEO Kevin Crosley commented, “This is a story about building a legacy. These flags are on display at one of America’s number one tourist attrac-tions (Forbes.com). Nearly 38 million sightseers revel in Times Square’s bright lights each year. We were able to partner with Fiberdyne Labs, an 8(a) for-profit business that produces custom LED signs and lighting. The project employed veterans and others with disabilities. The flags were fabricated with materials made in the U.S.A.—many from the state of New York. This venture is a good illustra-tion of a collaboration that creates partnerships and employment and honors our nation’s armed forces. When you put all these facets together, you have a very special project.”

Markus Irvine, one of the three disabled veterans who worked on the project, said, “As a veteran, I feel great pride in this project and I hope it brings pride to the people who see it.

Building a Legacy: The Herkimer ARC Times Square Flag ProjectBy Joan Wishod Reardon, director, Public Relations, Herkimer ARC

Herkimer continued on page 23

Markus Irvine, one of the three veterans with a disability who worked on the LED project, was inspired by his work on the LED panels and circuitry during the creation and construction of the flags. He has since enrolled in an Electrical Engineering program at a local college to continue developing his skills in this field.

Each 14’ x 33’ LED flag rendition, located in Times Square, New York, N.Y., consists of:110,460 LEDs; 260 LEDs on each printed circuit board; 416 circuit boards; eight printed circuit boards and 52 troughs.

18 | NISH WORKPLACE

The Nonprofit Agency Link

Goodwill of Lower South Carolina, a NISH-affiliated nonprofit agency (NPA) located in Charleston, S.C., attended the 37th Annual Culinary Arts Competi-tion. The competition is the largest of its kind in North America and the team was able to shadow a team from Fort Hood, Texas. Attracting more than 300 competitors and featuring more than 650 judges, the event was a great experi-ence for employees from Joint base Charleston and Marine Corp Beaufort galleys to hone their skills.

Event participation was a part of the QWE (Quality Work Environment) Initiative training which is designed to help empower people with disabilities to achieve their maximum employment potential. The employees who attended will pass on the newly acquired training/knowledge to help improve the skills of other Goodwill employees working at contract sites and, at the same time, improve the NPA’s customer service.

QWE provides employees with opportunities to optimize their earning and take advantage of opportunities for advancement, outplacement, or other community-based employment the individu-als selects through informed choices. The foundation of food service training has developed with the Servsafe Certification Program. The long-term goal is to continue developing the Goodwill Culinary Arts team. H

Team Goodwill Participates in the 37th Annual Culinary Arts Competition

May 2012 | 19

The Nonprofit Agency Link

20 | NISH WORKPLACE

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida Inc. recently hosted a meeting of the North Florida Inventors and Innovators Group. Formed in 2010 and presently chaired by Bob Hawkin-son, Vice President of TLC Inc., the group’s membership has grown to more than 70 entrepreneurs, inven-tors and engineers that meet monthly to exchange ideas and develop new product solutions ranging from marketing to production.

“Challenge Enterprises of North Florida implemented an extraordinarily creative idea by inviting a group of inventors to their facility,” says Dana Ferguson, Senior Team Manager for NISH Products South Region, and key speaker at the event. The expectation for this out-of-the-box meeting was to showcase the agency’s capabilities and core competencies and learn what each other’s needs are. The group was also interested in learning about the AbilityOne® program and how it works.

As expected, the inventors group presented itself as an enormous opportunity for new commercial manufacturing jobs. The number of products this group had patented and ready to put on the market was remarkable. “You could feel the energy

in the warehouse with this dynamic group of visionaries,” stated Nancy Keating CEO of Challenge Enterprises of North Florida. Many members had been pursuing the production of their products for many years and some products were already in the market-place and needing additional assistance in manufacturing. Bob Hawkinson, the group’s founder stated, “The fact that Challenge Enterprises is willing to work with people and go through the bumps in the road to get to where they are going is a strong suit.”

“A lot of people have ideas but don’t know what to do with them,” says Hawkinson, “and that’s what this group is about.” North Florida Inven-tors and Innovators Group is a local group based out of Jacksonville, Fla. They meet once a month, taking tours of other plants and bringing in guest speakers to give more insight to their members. The gatherings allow entrepreneurs to come together and find connections, share resources, and exchange ideas. “This group was able to see first-hand the capabilities of Challenge Enterprises and make initial determinations on how they could partner to manufacture, assemble or package their products. Reaction to the event has been very positive

and it appears that many people with significant disabilities may soon have additional opportunities for employ-ment as these ideas turn into projects,” says Ferguson.

Since the initial meeting and tour, formal meetings have taken place with Solutions Unlimited, Aero-Fast Bicycle Company, Bull Gator Archeol-ogy Equipment, and Weed Recede to potentially springboard into produc-tion projects. “This was a great opportunity for the private business community to partner with a NISH organization, says Doug Conkey, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for Clay County. “The ultimate goal is to make dreams come true as NISH helps provide oppor-tunities through organizations like Challenge Enterprises to get innovative products into the federal marketplace. The biggest highlight of the day is that this process provides enhanced oppor-tunities for a workforce with disabili-ties to get meaningful employment. This is truly a win-win situation.”

If your agency would like more information about how to reach your local Inventors Group, contact United Inventors Association of USA or visit their website at www.uiausa.org. H

Challenge Enterprises Goes ‘Out of the Box’

Katie Vineyard, COO of Challenge Enterprises, gives a tour for the North Florida Inventors and Innovators group through Challenge Enterprises manufacturing project for BAE Systems.

North Florida Inventors and Innovators Group Member Jim Hawkinson, President of TLC Inc., raises his hand for questions concerning the AbilityOne Program.

May 2012 | 21

The Workforce Inclusive

Linden’s Vets Ready2Work Program Provides Employment Solutions and HopeBy Chianti C. Cleggett, contributing feature writer

“The Linden Resources Vets Ready-2Work Program provides job place-ment to veterans returning from current or prior conflicts,” says Marshall Henson, vice president of Workforce Development. The program is a resource to veterans who were wounded in combat, who have disabilities from other conflicts, or who have non-war related injuries.

“The veterans who are returning are looking for work in a variety of industries,” adds Henson. Increased community relations with more than 25 organizations, and a pool of over 150 veterans, means that the program is growing into “a staff-ing resource for veterans as well as employers,” he says. “We’ll fill jobs in any industry, from landscaping to Tier 1 Defense Contracts.”

Veteran Megan Greenwood served four years in the Air Force, includ-ing at war in Iraq. In 2007, she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder coupled with depression. “There would be days when I couldn’t get out of bed or go to work like others could,” says Greenwood, who also suffers from migraines.

Greenwood learned about Linden’s Vets Ready2Work Program through the Virginia unemployment office. She had relocated to Washington, D.C. from Michigan in 2009 seeking better employment prospects. “I was the first veteran to enter the program,” recalls Greenwood, who was recruited and hired as a warehouse supervisor on one of Linden’s (formerly SOC Enterprises) AbilityOne® contracts.

Non-government organizations and civilian managers who don’t know or understand the affects of war might not view cases like Green-

wood’s as tolerable. Missed work days or incomplete duties could result in job dismissal. But the workforce specialist who scouted veterans for Linden’s Vets Ready-2Work Program was more compas-sionate, says Greenwood. “He was a veteran, and he understood when I talked about problems with my health or my job. If I had any problems, I could talk to him or his supervisor. They even checked in on me to make sure I was doing fine.”

Henson says the program is also able to provide standardized training for employers to increase their level of understanding so that more vets can be integrated into their workforce as valuable team members.

Greenwood credits the program with boosting her confidence in herself and her employer. “The program allowed me to not be so worried

about my condition or losing my job.” After working as part of Linden’s workforce for a year and a half, Greenwood, a former military medic, is now taking her passion for helping others further and pursuing a degree in health administration at George Mason University.

Today, the possibility of a success-ful life after service appears more positive. “We’re seeing a greater push to hire people with disabilities, includ-ing veterans with disabilities,” adds Henson. Linden’s Vets Ready2Work Program is ready to be a resource to help fulfill the need. Greenwood and others are proof positive that it works. In addition to employment services, Henson sees the program as being a professional resource to employers and a piece of the solution to helping veterans return to civilian life and strengthen their communities through employment. H

May 2012 | 21

Marshall Henson (right, pictured with Linden Board member Bill Sullivan) is Linden Resources’ vice president, Workforce Development and oversees Linden’s Vets Ready2Work Program.

The Workplace Inclusive

22 | NISH WORKPLACE

AbilityOne Program Success Story

Strong Work Ethic and Positive Attitude Help Hinojosa ExcelBy Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

Those who know Juanita Hinojosa are quick to praise her worth ethic and can-do attitude. For the past two years she’s worked on Training, Rehabilitation & Development Insti-tute’s (TRDI) food service contract at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. She’s held a variety of positions, including mess attendant, grill cook and line food service.

“Juanita started her employment with us as a mess attendant. Because of her character and motivation to learn and lead though, she has been asked to fill-in needed positions – no duty is too small or too big for her to accomplish,” said Juan Hernandez, TRDI compliance manager. “Not only does she perform front-line services, she’s also investing in and honing her managerial qualities.”

As a child, Hinojosa was diagnosed with bi-lateral, sensory-neural hearing loss – the result of a sustained injury. She hasn’t let her hearing impairment affect her desire to achieve success though.

“Juanita’s faced several challenges in her life due to her disability; however she focuses on how her capabilities can help others,” Hernandez said. “She assists other coworkers with their duties to ensure tasks are done in a timely manner. She will also assign herself needed duties in order to guarantee her customers receive great service.

Management has not only recognized her work ethic but also relies on her

initiative and willingness to help her co-workers.”

When Hinojosa began working for TRDI, she had to overcome several obstacles. Her ability to communicate was limited, due to her disability. TRDI recognized this and assisted her using various methods, including providing a deaf interpreter, performance modeling and consultations. This allowed her to excel in her job and find the satisfaction she desired.

“Thanks to the AbilityOne® Program, I have the on-the-job help I need. Inter-preters are present at meetings and my managers are also there to help me,” Hinojosa said.

“I enjoy serving people and getting them what they want. I like making what they like to eat and enjoy inter-acting with my customers.”

Her cheerful outlook and desire to serve others is something those around

her quickly notice.

“Since Juanita has worked here she has not let her disability impede her outstanding customer service. She is constantly presenting a positive attitude and goes out of her way to attend to our military needs. Her attention to detail is amazing,” said Robert Murray, food service officer for the base. “I inspect the facility on a daily basis and Juanita ensures her area of responsibility is in top-notch condition before I get there.”

As a result of Hinojosa’s hard work and determination, she’s inspired her daughter, who is now attending college, to become a deaf interpreter. Both her daughter and son learned to sign at an early age. Throughout Hinojosa’s journey, her family has always supported her.

“My husband has always been there for me,” she said. “He has broadened my experiences as he exposed me to the great outdoors through hunting, fishing, wood work and motor cross.”

At work, Hinojosa and her dining facility teammates, led by Project Manager Kindre Grams, have won the “Silver Plate Award” two years in a row.

“Juanita is doing an excellent job and hopes to become a manager,” Hernandez said. “TRDI considers her a valuable employee well on her way to becoming management material.” H

May 2012 | 23

Eyebrow HeadHats Off

Someday, while walking through Times Square with my two daughters and son, I’ll show them the American flags and say, ‘Daddy helped to build these.’ I know they’ll be proud.”

While Fiberdyne Labs spearheaded the design and engineering for the project, Herkimer Industries also provided project management, de-installation at the NYC site, fabrication, installation and testing, and final site cleanup.

People with disabilities were also instrumental in the success of the project, performing cutting and assem-bly of wiring harnesses for each flag which consists of: 110,460 LEDs per flag; 260 LEDs on each printed circuit board; 416 circuit boards on each flag; 8 printed circuit boards; and 52 troughs per flag.

Flag creation was performed both at Herkimer Industries and the Fiberdyne manufacturing plant in Frankfort, NY. Veterans also assisted with the onsite fabrication, assembly

and material handling in New York City. Some of these tasks included disassembly and removal of existing fluorescent bulbs, ballasts and compo-nents; assembly and installation of wiring and conduits to the LED units from the provided electrical panels; installation of the LED systems on ledges/trays that match the stainless steel interior; and testing and site cleaning services.

Crosley said, “Herkimer Industries and Fiberdyne Labs make a great team. We finished and installed the project ahead of schedule and we continue to partner to give customers a wide range of solutions and applica-tions for their indoor and outdoor LED lighting needs. The building and installation of the Time Square flags has become the single most excit-ing project we’ve worked on in the Herkimer ARC’s history. I think the legacy of the flags will carry on for many years to come and this project will lead us to additional meaningful work opportunities for the people we support. H

Herkimer continued from page 17 Public Policy Corner continued from page 16but the market is facing challenges, and some consumers have been skeptical that purchasing a policy is both worth the cost and represents a secure and sound investment.”

Sen. Kohl and hearing witnesses suggested that Congress should consider strengthening federal programs, increasing federal spending as required, to meet long term care needs. On the private sector side, hearing witnesses recommended that Congress should look at such possibilities as tax credits or deductions for premiums paid for qualified long term care insurance, initiatives such as employer-based automatic enrollment programs that encourage more people to buy private insurance and thus increase the risk pool (which will lower the costs) and innovative private sector products such as annuity or life insurance combined with long term care insurance protection. H

LTC Honors EmployeesLincoln Training Center (LTC) recog-nized employees of the year and honor-ees at the 28th annual Affair of the Heart, Lincoln Center Honors, held at the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on April 14.

Presented by National Certified Insur-ance, LTC recognized Tania Pacheco, Taylor Rampick and Meridith Blake as employees of the year for their outstanding service.

“I’m really honored to get this award,” Client of the Year Tania Pacheco said. “If it wasn’t for Lincoln Training Center, I don’t know what I would be doing.”

Approximately 350 corporate and civic officials, community leaders, friends and supporters attended, including Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.).

The Westfield Group, one of the world’s largest shopping center portfo-lios, received LTC’s President Award. A total of 24 LTC employees, includ-ing Employee of the Year Taylor Rampick, perform grounds keeping and landscaping service for Westfield Shopping Centers in Roseville, Carls-bad, Solano and San Jose, Calif.

“I’m really thankful for Lincoln giving

me the opportunity to work with Westfield,” Rampick said. “Westfield and Lincoln give me a chance to make money doing a job I really like.”

Westfield’s Senior General Manager Gavin Farnam, aided in giving Lincoln employees a chance to work at Westfield. “The work Lincoln and its clients do is amazing.” Farnam said. “They’ve been so good, nearby businesses have wanted to know who does our grounds keeping and landscaping.”

Also receiving awards were Superior Communications and Neufeld, Marks, & Gralnek.

The night was filled with dinner, dancing, entertainment, and a live and silent auction. All proceeds from the event will be used to support LTC programs.H

Taylor Rampick and Gavin Farnam

NISH

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NISH MissionCreating employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities.

NISH Training Calendar

4, 5, 6, 7 Grassroots Advocacy Training Conference Washington, DC

11 Obtaining Security Clearances: Unlocking the Mystery Seattle, WA

12, 13Assisting Supervisors with Creating a Quality Work Environment for People with Disabilities

Orlando, FL

12, 13 ISO 9001: 2008 A Roadmap for Successful Implementation Chicago, IL

12, 13 Management: from Focus to Execution New Orleans, LA

12, 13 Particulars and Perils of Subcontracting Boston, MA

13, 14 Introduction to Marketing Vienna, VA

19, 20Operating and Managing a Successful Custodial Business: Health, Safety, and Appearance - Your Pathway to Green Cleaning

Vienna, VA

19, 20, 21 Improving Negotiation Skills to Enhance Success Chicago, IL

19, 20, 21 Selling Your Agency Capability to the Customer Portland, OR

20, 21 The Planning and Project Management Competency Dallas, TX

21, 22Occupational Safety and Health Training: Creating Safe Workplaces for Employees with Disabilities

New York, NY

26, 27, 28 AbilityOne Academy Vienna, VA

27, 28 AbilityOne Business Development Seminar: Tools for Growing Your Business Chicago, IL

27, 28 Overview of Federal Government Contract Pricing Fort Worth, TX

JUNE

NISH offers a wide range of training opportunities through the NISH Academy for Leadership, Performance & Development. For more information, to request a 2012 training calendar or to register for courses, please contact the NISH Training Team at 571/226-4660 or visit the NISH Web site at www.nish.org.