Abundant life

Twenty years ago, the outlook for the mentally handicapped was bleak.

"Out of sight, out of mind" seemed to have been the goal back then. Today, that mindset is changing.

That change can be seen in the people at Southwest Area Training Services in McCook.

Rick Lavery, employment coordinator at SWATS, said that today, the mentally handicapped are being encouraged to achieve whatever they want to do.

Lavery gave several examples of the people in training at SWATS who have achieved a few of their goals.

One client at the facility has passed college level classes in sign language and is qualified to teach the language.

Tim Thompson has began a new position at Heritage Hills Golf Course. Lavery said the job is a dream come true for Thompson, who "knows everything there is to know about golf."

"There are some deficiencies," Lavery said, "but there are those that can excel in some areas."

SWATS works with each client individually to help them achieve their life goals.

"Some of them want to get a job, some of them want to become homeowners. It's up to them to determine what they want out of life," Lavery said.

SWATS clients are not required to work; instead, the facility provides a training structure in which each person has a different training regimen depending on the goals they have set for themselves.

The opportunities provided by SWATS give each individual the opportunity to broaden their horizons. "The more they are exposed to the community, the more they become accustomed to being out in the community."

To that end SWATS works closely with area businesses and communities to expose their clients to a variety of employment and volunteer commitments.

The clients at SWATS are involved with volunteer and paid projects such as cleaning Weiland Field after football games, cleaning up the Harry Strunk rest area east of McCook and walking dogs at the McCook Humane Society.

Clients have found positions at Valmont Industries and Pizza Hut and other local restaurants. The facility also contracts with Springer / McGraths to package different components for the products made by the McCook manufacturer.

Valmont general manager, Kenneth Bracht said he would encourage all employers to consider hiring the mentally handicapped.

He said since Valley Industries began its kit pack program several years ago, the company has found handicapped employees to be dependable -- and accuracy rates on the kits have improved.

"Our workers are very conscientious," he said.

"They're always willing to put out all the efforts I need," said Claryce Fritsche, Valmont Kit Pack Supervisor. "If I need something ASAP, they're always willing to get it for me."

"They do a valuable job for us," Bracht said. "They come to their job, ready to work, and extremely happy about being here."

Bracht said he would recommend hiring the people who train at SWATS because of their work ethics.

A framed document on the wall of the Southwest Area Training Services Workshop offers the facilities philosophies and the hopes for its clients. It reads: "To support each person to develop preferences, explore opportunities and exercise control in order to experience an abundant life."