‘Dignity and power of work changes lives,’ community leader says
One of my most-loved scriptures is Luke 13:10-12.
“On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for 18 years.She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity. ’Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.”
There have been times when I’ve been “bent” by grief or remorse or depression. I’ve seen so many others who’ve also felt diminished or downtrodden. God’s deepest desire for each of us, in spite of our histories or circumstances, is to stand tall in our hearts.
One of my dearest friends is Connie Thrash McGoodwin. She spent her entire career helping people with intellectual or physical challenges, to have a better life. Connie was chief executive officer of Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), a successful and innovative nonprofit, for 40 years and is a lifetime advocate of people with disabilities. The work Connie has done is worth celebrating on this Labor Day weekend.
Connie has seen, through her career, increased employment opportunities for DRTC clients.
She writes: “I have witnessed how the dignity and power of work changes the lives of persons of all abilities. It gives them self-determination, power and input over their own lives. Even persons with great challenges can live independently, buy a first car, marry, start a family and hope to own their own home someday.”
An essential element in this change is training. This support might be in the form of classes through vo-tech certification programs, or by providing an Employment Training Specialist. These job coaches help navigate red tape, and prepare applicants for interviews and training. The goal is to find the right job match for each one’s skills, abilities, transportation needs and potential accommodations. A worker who cannot read might create delicious pizzas if menus use pictures or braille!
Dale Rogers creates trophies and awards, frames artwork, and its ad specialty division has grown exponentially. With their own machinery and workforce, they manufacture and personalize everything from pens to hats and T-shirts. Folks at Dale Rogers earn wages and use their skills, while seeking community jobs and the right to be tax-paying citizens.
Connie shared a story about a young lady from DRTC who once interrupted a United Way tour and asked to show her pictures. She whipped out 30 different shots of the first piece of artwork she had framed by herself — all angles and each stage of framing. The honor, pride, self-respect and independence she shared with that tour group was beyond heartwarming.
DRTC was named after Dale Evans Rogers, wife of Roy Rogers, both huge western stars in the 1950s. Dale loved God with all her heart, including when she gave birth to a daughter, Robin. Though Robin was born with Down syndrome, Dale knew Robin to be a blessing to this big family.
Roy Rogers Jr. (Dusty) and his family are huge advocates of DRTC and similar agencies like Goodwill Industries and New View, who provide so many choices for persons with disabilities. Think of all the additional opportunities Robin would have today if she were still living!
On the subject of the value and dignity of work, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 is Connie’s favorite.
“And to aspire to live quietly and to mind your own affairs and to work with your hands as we instructed you so you may walk properly before outsiders andbe dependent on no one.”