Local company celebrates 20th anniversary

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ST. MARYS — Capabilities is celebrating its 20th anniversary of assisting people with all types of abilities with employment services, day habilitation services and drivers training. Started in 1997, Capabilities has expanded over the past 20 years and now has offices in Toledo, Fremont, Findlay, St Marys, Dayton, Circleville and Wheelersburg as well as operating day services in St Marys, Findlay, Dayton and Piqua.

Capabilities staff of more than 145 employees and their families celebrated this milestone with a party held at Eldorado Scioto Downs in Columbus. Columbus Photographer Kyle McKay captured the event and musician/guitarist Zayne Harshaw, also of Columbus, entertained everyone with his talents. Disc jockey and photo booth owner Justin Draper of Kenton rounded out the celebratory evening.

“I never imagined our idea and dream would come this far” said CEO Karen Blumhorst. “Twenty years ago we started by helping just one person obtain a job, and now we help over 2,300 people a year transforming lives one person at a time.”

Capabilities credits their growth to their entire team.

“We are very proud to be a top producer for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and look forward to another 20 years of assisting people attain their dreams,” she said.

“Twenty years of giving people opportunities they didn’t have is my proudest accomplishment” said Bill Blumhorst, CFO of Capabilities. He and his wife Karen started Capabilities. Both changed careers, Karen leaving teaching and Bill leaving the printing industry.

“Our family has received so much from the people we help. Every day a person gets a job or passes their driver’s license is a day well spent” said Bill.

October is National Employment of People with Disabilities month to raise awareness of the many and varied contributions people with disabilities have to the American workforce. Contact Karen Blumhorst at 419-778-7332 or on the web at www.capabilitiesinc.biz for more information on how you can can hire and retain quality employees and be an inclusive employer.

Staff report

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