GCPD: Richard Blakely Organization Achievement Award
Richard Blakely loved life and believed that everyone should have the opportunity to explore and enhance their environment. Throughout his life, Rich battled against attitudinal and architectural barriers that could prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in their communities. Rich wanted people with disabilities to both enter mainstream of life, and be able to enter without coming through the back door.
The Richard Blakeley Organization Achievement Award was developed to recognize an organization that, through its policies, programs and services, has decreased attitudinal and architectural barriers confronting persons with disabilities.
Recipients:
Kwik Trip is a privately owned company headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Part of their mission is to help make a difference in someone's life. Through their retailer Helper Program, Kwik Trip currently employs 430 individuals with disabilities throughout Wisconsin. Kwik Trip collaborates with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to ensure that retailer helper positions are tailored to an individual employee's strengths.
According to Kwik Trip HR Representative, Joalyn Torgerson, retailer helpers are "loyal" and "dedicated employees," evidenced by very low turnover rates (10%) compared to their part-time counterparts. Joalyn stated that the Retailer Helpers Program is "the best part of my job." This program currently benefits 720 individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin and surrounding states. Kwik Trip deserves to be recognized for their Retail Helper Program, which is a model for other companies.
Elite Cognition, LLC, has been a leader in providing mental health therapy services throughout the state for several years. The organization's motto, "Meet you where you are at," reflects its commitment to deliver realistic, recovery-focused, strengths-based, and goal-orientated counseling and therapy services.
Elite Cognitive, LLC, was founded on the belief that everyone has the potential to learn and grow in their recovery and wellness. Lynn Gilpin-Parks and her team are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey. Elite Cognition, LLC, is recognized for its hard work in helping individuals of all abilities to achieve their goals and live their highest quality of life. Additionally, the organization employs individuals of all abilities, fostering a sense of connection and representation within the community. Their efforts contribute to making Wisconsin a better place for all.
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