Staff Quotes

• "When we connect with people, and they get acclimated to the work environment, their entire life revolves around this opportunity to come to Boone Center and make a contribution."

  Chuck Blossom, BCI Chief Executive Officer

• "When I started working at BCI 17 years ago, I did not know the full scope and impact of the work we did. I am always impressed with the level of work our employees have been able to achieve; they always rise to the challenge of each new task. I believe in the mission of BCI and I love working with all the employees."

  Stacy Lockwood, BCI Career Center Manager

• "Our employees make me proud to work at BCI!"

  Vicki Whiteside, Human Resources Manager

• "The atmosphere is super-charged with excitement and anticipation of the great things to come. People don't just choose to employ our people because they think it is the socially responsible thing to do. They do it because it is the fiscally responsible thing to do."

  Jack Wissmiller, Business Partnership Coordinator

Board Member Quotes

• "I am excited for the future of BCI and the possibilities for growing the mission of BCI and expanding the opportunities for adults with disabilities to become a part of the working environment."

  Michael Weeks, BCI Foundation Board Chairman

• "It has been said that Good Intentions- Action = Squat. There is always ÒActionÓ at BCI. In the time I have been involved with BCI the employment opportunities in both the organizational employment and the community employment have increased dramatically. Now that is 'Action'."

  Jon Ohmes, BCI Foundation Board Member

• "I became part of the Board because I wanted to be part of an organization that motivates people and gives a sense of self-worth to individuals of all abilities."

  Kelly Nation, BCI Foundation Board Member

Employee Quotes

• "I was a dishwasher at Breeze Center Retirement Center for five and a half years, at BCI I've learned a new trade and everybody's nice."

  Assembly line employee

• "I really like working here; if I weren't working I would be sitting at home."

  Assembly line employee

• "I like working at BCI because I enjoy work and like being with my friends"

  Assembly line employee

• " I like BCI because I can work full time"

  CEO program participant

Parents

• "With my daughter working at BCI it allows me the opportunity to work outside of the home."

  Mrs. L, Parent to BCI employee

• "In the 15 years that John has worked at BCI his confidence has increased. BCI provides him with the opportunity to be a productive part of the community which has helped him become more independent over the years. We are so thankful for BCI and the real life experiences that have been provided to John."

  Mr. C, Parent to BCI employee

• "As a parent, I find peace in knowing that my son is provided with a clean and safe work environment. Working at BCI, Mike has formed friendships that he would not otherwise have; just having someone to identify with has made such a difference in his life."

  Ms. W, Parent to BCI employee

Article from Ladue News

This story was originally published in the June 13, 2008 Ladue News
Written by: Trish Muyco-Tobin

IT'S BEEN A GREAT VALUE

Dave Bazzell gets emotional every time he remembers the day his son, Chris, took home his first paycheck from BCI. Chris, who has Cerebral Palsy, is now in his 30's and has worked at BCI for 10 years. "Every other Friday, Chris comes home with a big smile. That's something that started 10 years ago, and it hasn't changed," he says proudly. Bazzell says he and his wife, Sue, decided to give BCI a try after exploring other options for their son.

"When Chris graduated from High School, he tried a couple of different things," he says. "Our concern as parents was that not only does a job have to fit his interests and abilities, but also it must provide the right kind of environment and setting that would make him feel comfortable." Bazzell says BCI offered a perfect fit. "It's been a great Value, seeing our son continue to develop with his time there," he says. "As parents, Sue and I feel very comfortable that Chris is doing productive work and accomplishing something as part of a team. We've been very impressed with his achievements, which include getting up at 5:30 every morning to begin his full day of work."

Bazzell says his son's employment at BCI meant an opportunity for his family to become involved as well. "Being and old St. Charles boy, I knew about BCI way back when. But as parents, we started paying more attention and appreciate all that they do even more." Bazzell currently serves as a board member, and his family helps with fund-raising activities such as trivia night and the Wing Ding. "All of us, even if we're lucky enough to have been with good parents and families, have benefited with the help of other people," he says. "There are many more citizens with disabilities out there, and this was one segment of the population that we wanted to help."