SIDNEY — The year 2015 was an exciting time for S & H Products.
“It was a year of transition and expanded opportunities at S&H Products,” said Michelle Herndon, the organization’s new executive director. “People served through S&H Products experienced new work and social options that enrich our community and their lives.”
Her report continues:
The organization offers many vocational, volunteer and social options to adults with developmental disabilities. S&H Products still has a workforce onsite that contracts jobs for local companies. It has expanded placement of its associates at companies throughout Shelby County enabling them to earn wages and become integrated within the community.
Additional integration occurs through volunteer and community activities that build vocational and social skills. S&H Products’ associates volunteered in 2015 at various places including, but not limited to, Agape Distribution Center, the Shelby County Animal Shelter, CASA/GAL and at the Wilma Valentine Childcare facility. They also built various skills through social/hobby opportunities such as golfing and a bowling team that participated in a community league.
Spirit and Hands Art Studio was established and resulted in associates discovering talents that translated into marketable skills. Art goods were sold at various locations. Many associates have taken well to their creative potential as artists but also in a newly developed area of upcycling old furniture. It is anticipated that Spirit and Hands Art Studio will expand in 2016 with the many talented offerings of the associates.
The S&H Products facility offers a sensory area to help people with autism or related diagnoses to accept and endure the community around them. A health and wellness program has also been implemented by S&H staff to teach nutrition, exercise and other positive health choices to those served.
Changes in the law prompted the organization’s board to undergo a process to separate from the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The transition to a privatized entity was mostly seamless and was official on Oct. 1, 2015. The new arrangement allows S&H Products to remain at its current location.
I joined S&H Products in August, having more than 20 years of experience in human services and 10 years working in the developmental disabilities field. I formerly worked with adults served at Riverside in Miami County.
“Michelle’s background in the developmental disabilities field is a tremendous asset as S&H moves forward as a resource, support and advocate for the people we serve,” said Marian Spicer, board chair of S&H Products. “Becoming a privatized entity was a huge undertaking that took a great deal of planning and implementation by the board and staff. I am extremely appreciative of all who gave time and talent to make this a success.”
S&H Products employs a staff of 34 and serves 83 area residents with a wide range of employment and support services.
In 2016, S&H Products will assist associates in finding placement in local companies, expand their interests in the community and continue to be a contributing factor of Shelby County. There is a plan forming to expand its volunteer and community integration by helping those in need with yard work in 2016.
Please feel free to contact S & H Products if you have a need for reliable workforce, help in the yard, want to commission artwork and/or have old furniture that can be turned into something beautiful.
