The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities recently recognized Caron Richey owner of Print Works of Salem, for her assistance in providing a meaningful employment opportunity to Salem Resident Brian Snode. Pictured from left are CCBDD Administrative Support Sara Hughes, Brian Snode, Missy McQuillen, Paul Anthony, Caron Richey, CCBDD Superintendent William Devon, Debbie Leggett and Shirley Bowald. (Submitted photo)

SALEM – Caron Richey, owner of Print Works of Salem, needed an employee to help with a variety of jobs. Through connections within her Salem community, she was able to find a valued employee with the help of Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The connections came through Richey’s involvement with the Salem Kiwanis Club. Richey explained that fellow Kiwanis member Debbie Leggett knew she was looking for an employee. Leggett spoke to Shirley Bowald, CCBDD Community Inclusion and Employment Manager, and Paul Anthony, CCBDD Employment Engagement Specialist, who connected her with Brian Snode.

“It’s an asset I didn’t know was out there in the county,” Richey said. “It started with Debbie knowing that I needed someone, and then connecting me with Shirley and the Board. It was definitely small-town word of mouth.”

Snode works two days a week in the shop doing “weeding,” which is the tedious job of removing the excess vinyl from lettered signs. He also glues job worksheet pads and does odd jobs around the shop like sweeping, taking out trash, sorting and organizing. Richey said weeding is very time-consuming but praised Brian for the care he takes in doing his job.

Snode said he enjoys his job. “I like it very much. I like to work. I like to be here on time. I like to work on two days,’ he said. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, walking, bowling and playing basketball.

Employment Specialist Missy McQuillen of Coleman Health and Professional Services is one of many service providers who work with job development in Columbiana County. She had been looking for job opportunities for Snode when CCBDD referred her to Print Works of Salem. The job opportunity was close to Snode’s home, which is a bonus. Since his hire, McQuillen has assisted Snode with on-site job coaching and ongoing support to ensure he has the tools he needs to succeed in his job. She thanked Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and the Board for their support but gave Snode all the credit for having a strong desire to learn and succeed at his job.

“Brian has an incredible drive to want to work. He drove all of this, through his willingness to engage, to participate, and to accept guidance,” McQuillen said. “Caron is phenomenal because of her willingness to provide an opportunity and allowing Brian time to develop into the position. She is a wonderful support.”

Bowald said the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities refers clients who are seeking employment to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the state-mandated program for people with disabilities who would like to gain community employment, and

individuals can choose to work with a number of providers in the area such as Coleman Professional Services, Blue Sky Employment Consultants, The ESC’s Work Solutions, United Disability Services, Guardian Managed Care. These organizations assist individuals with developmental disabilities in finding rewarding jobs. The Board provides long term follow-along services to ensure continued success.

CCBDD recently recognized Richey for her commitment to hiring an individual with a developmental disability. Superintendent William Devon thanked Richey for providing this employment opportunity and noted the Board is looking to expand to provide trainings and resources that support businesses who make it a priority to hire workers who have a disability.

“Making connections within the local community is key” Devon said. “Employers who hire individuals with developmental disabilities gain employees who are hard-working, enthusiastic and skilled. These employees bring many valuable skills to the workplace, and often they stay on their jobs for many years. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” he said.

Employers who are interested in learning more about CCBDD’s programs are urged to call 330-424-7788.

(Submitted material)