Current Job Highlight: Garbage Bags
Currently, we are busy tearing, folding and counting garbage bags, and preparing them for sale. This is a great in center task for those individuals who may not get out in the community. This job has several different steps that are broken down and paid individually, so everyone can work on part or all of this process depending on ability. The garbage bags come on a large roll and the individuals get paid to tear the bags from the roll; getting paid per bag that they tear. This is a great job for those that need more physical assistance, as it is easy for staff to give hand over hand assistance as needed to complete this step. The next step is to fold the bags. Typically, the individuals fold 10 bags at a time, and again are paid per bag that they fold. This step can be completed with hand over hand assistance as well, which makes it possible for all of our individuals to get involved in. The final step is to count the bags by groups of 10. The bags are either sold by 10 or by 100. If filling a box of 100, the individual counts out 10 groups of 10, so this job requires someone that can be a little more independent.
These bags are currently used in some area schools and several other local businesses. Those that use them seem to really like them and keep ordering more because they say they are very strong bags that do not leak. We’ve seen first-hand here at the DAC how strong the black 48 gallon bags are, as completely full bags are being drug across the pavement to the dumpster without tearing or ripping open.
Garbage bags are available in various sizes, and can be purchased in lots of 10 or 100, at the Sibley County DAC, or from Sibley County Seconds Thrift Store. Please call the DAC for pricing at (507)964-5726.
October Worker of the Month:
Shawn has been employed at the DAC for 7 years. Shawn was nominated by his job coaches and voted in by his peers. Shawn is very well liked by both his peers and staff. He is very kind-hearted, always happy, cheerful and very helpful to all! Shawn works very hard while in center, especially on the more physically demanding tasks. His favorite in-center job, that he will never refuse, is to fill the pop machine. He loves keeping it full, and making sure that the pop is stacked neatly in the corner. Shawn’s favorite community job is going to Green Isle on Wednesdays. Along with 4 peers and a job coach, he cleans at the Club New Yorker, Steve’s Auto Shop, the Community Center/Offices, and also the Fire Hall. In the summer, they also clean the bathrooms at the baseball park.
For fun in the building, Shawn loves calling Bingo, and also loves entertaining those around him with his music. He has his speakers and i-pod out at every possible opportunity!
November Worker of the Month:
Richard has been employed at the DAC for 13 years. He was nominated by his job coaches and voted in by his peers. Richard loves physical tasks, like carrying boxes of shredding and taking out the trash. He is very detail oriented, and will get down on his hands and knees to scrub corners and edges to make sure he doesn’t miss anything. He gets great satisfaction out of doing a good job and knowing that people are happy with his effort. Richard has a few regular crews that he goes on, and is a regular sub to fill in when needed. Richard also loves working at Sibley Seconds Thrift store where he completes many various tasks.
Richard is very polite; always opens and holds doors for others, and in general recognizes when someone needs help and will jump right in without needing to be asked. Richard has one of the most infectious laughs! He also loves telling jokes to make others laugh. If you’re having a bad day, go find Richard, he is sure to put a smile on your face.
Sibley County Seconds Thrift Store
In case you weren’t aware, the Sibley County DAC owns and operates the Sibley County Seconds thrift store in downtown Arlington. The doors opened on May 20th, 1996. Store hours are M-F, 9:00am to 4:00pm and Saturdays from 9am to noon.
The mission of Sibley County Seconds is to provide work opportunities for workers with disabilities, and to be a service to the people of Sibley County. The Sibley County DAC purchased and renovated the building at 431 West Main St, and currently uses the front half of the building for the store, and then the back half as a work site for up to 10 workers, a job coach, and the store clerk. The workers sort the donated items, fold and organize items, hang up clothes to be put out front, cut rags to be sold, sort and organize jewelry, clean and price housewares, and all general cleaning of the building.
All donations are tax deductible, and are always accepted during regular store hours. We accept clothing in any condition, jewelry, sporting goods, house wares, books, lamps, toys, hardware, decorations, and more. We DO NOT accept appliances or furniture. We are always looking for clothing, especially T-shirts and sweatshirts that are at least 60% cotton. If stained, ripped, or unsellable, this clothing is cut up by the clients and sold as rags.
January Worker of the Month:
Vanelly has only been employed by the DAC since September 2015, but has quickly become someone that the job coaches can rely on. She comes from GSL as part of the transition program through the high school. Vanelly loves working at Sibley County Seconds on Wednesdays. Vanelly has become a regular on the Creekside Community Church crew. When she is in the building, she will complete tasks asked of her, and is always willing to try new things. She takes suggestions from staff and works to improve her skills.
Vanelly is very sweet and caring, and truly wants those around her to be happy. She has very quickly made friends at the DAC, and is very well liked by everyone. Vanelly is so kind hearted and is always looking out for those around her.