life. I like to get things as close to

perfect as possible, “ said Nate. “Here

at NIVC Services the staff members

are awesome at teaching you jobs and

really helping people learn.”

“Why work? Why not work?” Nate

replied.

Nate is happy to contribute to a high

quality of service in the production

areas of the Work Center.

All communities include people with

disabilities as members. They are

people of worth and value. They be-

long to families and neighborhoods.

They are citizens, fellow workers,

and parents. Take Nate Brierly, for

example.

Nate is a forklift driver at NIVC

Services and the father of Myah who

is in fourth grade. Nate is proud of his

daughter and happy to be working in

Mason City. He can do any job in the

woodshop when needed. Four years

ago he was in a car accident and suf-

fered many serious injuries including

a traumatic brain injury. He has

learned ways to adapt so that he can

still strive to perform his best at

work.

“I have been a hard worker my whole

The Above Billboard draws awareness to National Disability Employment Awareness Month through a

partnership from the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant & Waitt Outdoor Advertising

NIVC Services: Helping People Work

Inside this issue:

Service Report & Message

from the Exec. Director

2

Thank You, Donors! 3

Development and

Remembrances

4

Thank You, Donors! cont. 5

Dancing for the Dream 09 6

This is My Way/A Good Job Fit 7

Achievements 8

“Helping People Work”

License Plate located

in North Iowa.

NIVC Services provides

young adults and adults

with disabilities paid job

training, job placement, and

job retention support.

Research shows early work

(as a teen) is a positive

indicator of work as an

adult.

If students with intellectual

disabilities don’t have work

experiences in high school,

80 percent will never work.

October was National Disability Employment

Awareness Month. The slogan for this year is

"Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation."

I hope you enjoy the terrific billboards featuring

local „celebrities‟ with this message.

We have a long way to go in raising expectations

and increasing opportunities for people with dis-

abilities.

Vital communities use the talents and skills of all

its citizens. The economic downturn is temporar-

ily masking the increasing problem of Iowa's ag-

ing workforce. People with disabilities are a valu-

able part of Iowa's workforce solutions. Helping

people work is good for all of us!

Warm regards from all of us at NIVC Services,

Sherry O. Becker

My community report message

usually includes highlights of

the past year's achievements.

While I am always proud to

share our accomplishments,

this year I am even prouder of

the way we pulled together to

face some very difficult

challenges.

We could not have done it without the support of our

dedicated NIVC team, valuable business and service

partners, loyal customers, and contributors. Thank

you.

We know the recession is making it tough for eve-

ryone. Decreased income limits resources available

for meeting day-to-day expenses. Our mission of

"helping people work" is more important in the con-

text of high unemployment. Unfortunately people

with disabilities face high levels of unemployment

even when the economy is strong.

A Message from the Executive Director

Service Highlights

Page 2

339 Preparing, find-

ing or training

for work

177 Obtained/

retained jobs

47 students

187 Referrals to

partner agen-

cies

69 Career planning

226 Worked/

trained in NIVC

Business opera-

tions

Revenue $3.5M

Services

Business

Fundraising

0

50

100

150

200

250

Types of Services

Sherry Becker, Director

NIV

C S

erv

ice

s: H

elp

ing

Peo

ple

Wo

rk

People Served/Service

Angela Ellingson Larry & Zelda Elwood Adam Enabnit Farrer Foundation Troy & Jen Faust Bob & Ev Fink First Citizens National Bank Fdn Diane Fischels Renae Fischer Jim & Ellen Fitzpatrick Claude & Marcia Funk Luelle Funk Jared Gardinier Joan Gasaway Mike & Joan Gasaway Paul & Carolyn Gold Fred & Marti Greder Mary Grismoe Jamie Gumphrey Joyce Hanes Heidi Hanson Sandra Hanson Bruce & Deb Harlan Elaine Harman Clifford Hathaway Rochelle Havig Heidi Heimbuch Rachel Heinold Stacy Heinselman Don Heitzhusen Henkel Construction Company Scott & Heather Hermanson Dean & Suzanne Hess Elizabeth Hier Gary & Carole Hoffman Home Realty Group Andy & Cheryl Hubbard Hal & Valerie Hudson Sam & Deb Hunt Brad & Cathy Isaak Hashi & Darshini Jayawardena Nicole Jewett Donald and Betty Johnson Tracy & Leigh Kading Norman & Sara Kelly Bob & Judi Kessler Tammy Kiefer KIMT Jim & Kathy King Nate King Kinney-Lindstrom Foundation Al & Lori Kittleson Knights of Columbus Dave & Kelly Kratz Pamela Krause Dixie Lamoreux Langhart, Inc Diane Larson

Thank You for Improving the Lives of North Iowans! Page 3

NIV

C S

erv

ice

s: Help

ing

Peo

ple

Wo

rk

Anonymous First Citizens Bank Ryan & Amber Allen Alliant Energy Marvin Alphs Robert & Patricia Amosson Mike & Molly Anderegg Jeff & Leslie Anderson Tana Anderson Monte & Michelle Applegate Rolf & Julie Aronsen Harlan & Marge Baack Brian Baker Alecia Balduf Chris & Lisa Barillas Blake & Nancy Barnes Walt Bate & Martha Ryan Byron & Ann Beasley Steve & Nancy Beavers Tim & Sherry Becker Ray & Joan Beebe Sharon Beek Justin Bell Jessica Benjegerdes Jim Benjegerdes Bergland & Cram Bertha Stebens Charitable Fdn Michael Blackmore & Jill Eikenbary Amanda Blakely Kathy Bledsoe Eddy Bohnsack Darlene Bortle Lynn Braga Shaina Brunsvold Brian & Jayne Carlson Garrett Carlson Tammy Cermak Cerro Gordo Co Community Fdn Brandon Chapin Clausen Plumbing & Heating Jim & Linda Coddington Tom Coonradt Curries Company Brian & Tanya Dadisman Melissa & Bobby Dahm Donna Daleske Dave & Phyllis Murphy Charitable Fdn Wally & Judy Davies Briana Davis Kristi & Roland Davis Kevin Dear Tim & Carol Dettmer Sandy Dixon Shannon & Emily Dykstra Eric Eichenlaub Terrie Eliason

Bill & Kim Larson Mark & Deb Lassise Continued on page 5

Brian Baker raised over $590 to win top money raiser prize for the Dancing for the Dream dance-a-thon event on March 7, 2009!

Two of the dance couple competitors await the judges decision. (l– r): Jenni-fer and Rusty Olson; Brian and Tami Randall

Giving in a Tight Economy

Remembrances for July 01, 2008-June 30,2009

Page 4

Even now, in a tight economy, there

are ways to give that work with your

personal situation. If you want to

help but wonder where to begin,

here are a few suggestions:

Immediate gifts: Financial support,

donations of goods, donations of office supplies

or equipment, your time in specialized skills

Short-term gifts: Gifts of assets (stocks, collecti-

bles, real estate, etc.)

Long-term or Planned Gifts: Name NIVC Ser-

vices, Inc. as a beneficiary in your will, retirement

plan, life insurance or other charitable estate

plan. You can designate a specific amount or a

percentage of the remainder.

It is up to you to take the first step. Contact your

attorney or financial advisor/insurance agent to

make this simple change and support NIVC

Services in the future. Call me, Lisa Yunek at

423-3301 to discuss some ideas that provide a big

benefit in fulfilling NIVC‟s mission with a small

cost to you.

Regardless of where individuals with

disabilities live, at home, with their

own families, or in a supervised or

group home, many individuals with

disabilities in North Iowa obtain

employment services through NIVC

Services. You are a big part of our

service and success.

Thank you for your generosity in shop-

ping at or donating items to Afford-

ables and Affordables on 1st; providing

jobs with business contracts, hiring

people with disabilities and your direct

financial contributions.

NIV

C S

erv

ice

s: H

elp

ing

Peo

ple

Wo

rk

Your support helps

individuals with disabilities

live productive, purposeful

lives.”

Sherry O. Becker, Exec. Director

Lisa Yunek

Honorariums

In Honor of Donated by

Sherry Becker Nancy Zanios

Linda Garcia Tana Anderson

Jared Gardinier Pamela Krause

You can designate any contribution

in honor or in memory of

friends and family.

Memorials

In Memory of Donated by

Dale Becker Tim & Sherry Becker

Alan Dodge Tim & Sherry Becker

Phil Meyer Clifford Hathaway

Phil & Sharon

Meyer Jean Mitchell

Claire

Schoenborn Geri Thompson

Stop and Think Gifts: cars, jewelry, paintings, watercraft, furniture, collections, securities, real

estate, copyrights, trademarks, patents, rugs, aircraft, recreational equipment, any item of value

Thank You for Improving the Lives of North Iowans! Cont. form page 3

Page 5

Gerry & Marlene Studer TeamQuest Geri Thompson Todd Blodgett TQ Technologies Brad Trampel Melvin Vance Jenny Van de Walker Roberta Van de Walker James & Darlene Vsetecka Wa Tan Ye Club Tom & Sally Waggoner Waggoner & Wineinger Architects Tom Washington Brenda Watters Joslyn Waychus Les Weitzel Wells Fargo Foundation Kimberly West Bob & Cindy Willemson Williams & Associates Amy Williamson Rollie Williamson & Ann Grady Mike & Julie Willms Women of Trinity Betty Wyatt Tiffany Yaw Joel& Lisa Yunek Yunek Law Firm Jamie & Nancy Zanios

John & Abigail Lee Scott & Maureen Leighty Gary Levinson & Jackie Armstrong Nancy Lundeen Paul & Barbara MacGregor Jim & Sharon Magelssen Bob & Donna Marreel Bill & Linda Marshall Patty Martin Jean McAleer Sandy McCauley Tim & Mariane McKone David McLinn Metalcraft Anita Micich Teresa Millard Ruth Miller Hal Minear Jean Mitchell Wendy Moon Arlo Movick Jean Mujica Nick Mujica Stephanie Murray Kim Myhre Katie Nelson Pastor Paul & Kathy Nelson Jim & Cindy Niemants North Iowa Comm. Credit Union Cheryl Noss Lynda Oetken Ozzie Ohl Dan & Kristen Ollenburg Robert & Elaine Ollenburg Dillon & Josie Olson Leman & Tana Olson Rusty & Jennifer Olson Sheila Ott Karn Palmer Jerry & Jeanne Plagge Janelle Platts Joe Platts L. Dean & Shari Pohren Pro Build North LLC Tim & Kelly Putnam Twyla Quinn Ruth Quisley Dennis & Joyce Rachut Kevin Rachut Jim & Amanda Ragan * NIVC is grateful for your support and we make every effort to correctly list your name/organization. Please let us know if there is a correction.

Brian & Tami Randall Dennis Reardon River City Communications River City Fence Company Mike & Traci Rohrer Jessica Rother Chad Rugland Ed & Tami Saidat Jennifer & Derek Schlitter Roger & Susan Schlitter Anne Schneider Betty Schneider Claire Schoenborn Patty Schroeder Mickie Schuessler Tim & Denise Schupick Schupick & Associates Steve & Cheryl Schurtz Matt & Jennifer Schweizer Susan Sieh Tori Silver Reenie Skellenger Steve Snyder & Louise Craigg Stadheim Jewelry Kristina Stange Leo Staudt Alan & Sharon Steckman Scott Steinlight Theresa Stewart Josh Struchen

Judges (l-r) Dalena Barz, Kimberly West, Jamie Zanios, Nancy Zanios

NIV

C S

erv

ice

s: Help

ing

Peo

ple

Wo

rk

Saturday, March 7

6 - 10 pm

7 pm Dance Contest

Music Man Square

East Door - Streetscape

Save the Date March 6, 2010

NIV

C S

erv

ice

s: H

elp

ing

Peo

ple

Wo

rk

The first annual Dancing for the Dream event was held on

Saturday, March 7th to help support the dreams of NIVC clients.

“So many of our clients love to dance so they inspired us to

create this event under the umbrella of Dancing for the Dream,”

said executive director Sherry Becker.

There were two separate parts to this day of fundraising dances.

The first event was a dance-a-thon for all ages to all types of

dance music from 1 – 5 p.m.

Brian Baker, Mason City, raised the most funds individually for

the dance-a-thon. According to Brian, “I enjoy raising money for

NIVC Services and people with disabilities because I have one

and know what it‟s like. ”

That evening, five couples competed to win the first ever NIVC

Services “Dancing for the Dream” crystal ball trophy. Dancing

in the Street in the streetscape of Music Man Square was a local

version of Dancing with the Stars. A panel of judges scored the

dance presentation, but just like on the TV show, the audience

voted too. Judges include Dalena Barz, Three Eagles Communi-

cations, Kimberly West, PurrsonalityPlace.com, Jamie Zanios,

NIACC/JPEC, & Nancy Zanios, Mason City School District.

Out thanks to featured North Iowa “celebrity” dancers and their

partners including Jim Fitzpatrick, Mercy Medical Center North

Iowa with Mickie Schuessler, Studio for the Performing Arts;

John Lee, Mason City School District with Abigail Lee, Ameri-

can Realty; Rusty Olson, Garner Farm Operator & Jennifer

Olson, Hogan Bremer Moore; Brian Randall, Brian Randall

Agency with Tami Fitzgerald Randall, Mercy Cancer Center;

and Joel Yunek, Yunek Law Firm with Lisa Yunek, Grants, etc.

(Band Festival photo above.)

Winners Jim Fitzpatrick & Mickie

Schuessler received the coveted

Crystal Ball Trophy in 2009.

‘Dancing for the Dream’ Raises over $10,000

Page 6

Even now, in a tight economy, there are ways to give that work with your personal situation. If

Immediate gifts: Financial support, donations of

goods, do-NIVC Services, Inc. Presents

Chairs with Flair Affordables on 1st

219 1st SW

641-423-0236 Mason City

A local artist, perhaps like you, decorates a chair

from our stock, donates it for resale at the store.

Come and see our selection of furnishings and décor.

This is my way...

“This is my way of making a living. I can pay my

rent and bills now.” said Frank McLain.

Frank works in the wood shop of NIVC Services.

He received training as a client for several years

and then was hired as part-time staff. Frank

likes the fast pace and tries to keep busy. There

is always something to do. Over the past few

years Frank has learned to operate the fork lift,

pneumatic nail gun, learned to build pallets,

and can float to all positions.

His progress is evident to friends and family

members. Frank sets goals to improve his per-

formance and contribute to the organization.

(Frank shown at right with nail gun.)

Page 7 N

IVC

Serv

ice

s: Help

ing

Peo

ple

Wo

rk

The Best Job is a Good Fit

Rachelle Wheat enjoys her work at the YMCA. Through her love of physical

activity Rachelle found a way to work where she spends her time. Although

visually impaired, the Department of the Blind helped map out the phone sys-

tem in brail allowing Rachelle to answer the phone at the front desk. A job

coach from NIVC services helps Rachelle to learn other tasks at the front desk

including sterilizing the toys for the daycare services.

“She does a great job answering the phone and putting away towels. Rachelle is

very friendly, “ said front desk supervisor Lisa Trewet. “I earn money and give back to the

community.” Rachelle Wheat

Rachelle walks the track with assistance

from Troy Treloar, YMCA staff.

Staff Recognition

Page 8 N

IVC

Serv

ice

s: H

elp

ing

Peo

ple

Wo

rk

Helping People Work

through Computer Skills

Small group instruction is provided with

hands-on support so that individuals learn to

power up/down equipment, use basic soft-

ware programs and connect to the world

through the internet and email at the Job

Link offices.

(At left and below Tori Silver

provides user-friendly

lessons.)

Mission: NIVC Services, Inc. empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive employment through a strong commitment to business and training opportunities.

“The interest and enjoy-ment in this course re-mains high! Its been fun sharing this curriculum.” Tori Silver

Sherry Becker Receives a National Disability Employment Advocacy Award

APSE: The Network on Employment, announced its 2009 APSE National Award Winners during the banquet at the 2009 APSE National Confer-ence in Milwaukee held June 30- July 2, 2009. Sherry Becker, Executive Director of NIVC Services, Inc. has been named the Wendy M. Wood award recipient.

The award recognizes emerging leaders in moving toward complete involvement of people with disabilities in our society. Becker was nomi-nated by members of the Iowa APSE Chapter. Wendy M. Wood is the founding Executive Direc-tor of APSE. To honor Wood‟s contribution to this organization and the overall field of sup-ported employment, APSE's Board of Directors established an award to recognize leaders such as Becker in moving toward complete involvement of people with disabilities in our society.

Thank You for your Years of Service! Brenda Watters

30 Years of Service

Brenda has seen many changes and improvements in the employment of people with disabilities throughout her years of service.

Also recognized: Maureen Skellenger – 20 Years of Service Melissa Dahm – 5 Years of Service

The Board of Directors recognized these staff members at the annual Labor Day celebration.

Quality Programs and Services: CARF International announced that NIVC Services, Inc. has been accredited for a period of three years for its six Community Employment Services pro-grams. These include job development, job supports, job-site training, employee development, service coordination, and transition services (youth) programs.

“We can put our new skills to work right away!”