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* Brenden Moore…
Since 1983, nearly every Illinois license plate has been manufactured by a Decatur social service agency that employs people with disabilities. Illinois is one of just two states not making plates in a prison. @ILSecOfState visited today. My story: https://t.co/4wITr8Pnl1
— Brenden Moore (@brendenmoore13) March 7, 2023
* From Brenden’s story…
(T)he plates are produced by Macon Resources, Inc., a Decatur social service agency that provides services to people with mental, physical and developmental disabilities.
The agency operates daycare and after-school care programs for children with disabilities and a wide range of services for adults with disabilities, including life skills training, vocational training, job placement and volunteerism, along with the operation of nine group homes.
Nearly 60% of the agency’s workforce is made up of people with disabilities. And Illinois is one of two states not making license plates in a prison, said MRI chief operating officer Ryan Raleigh. Workers make at least $15 per hour, he said. […]
“This is one of the most inspirational things I’ve ever seen in my time in politics,” Giannoulias said. “I wish everyone who lives in Illinois could come here and see the amazing work that MRI does. I think it’s a testament to others helping others, but also providing jobs and opportunity and hope.”
Giannoulias said he would like to use his platform “to promote this model across the country.”
* WCIA…
“To see the pride they take in the work and the pride they take in their friendships and giving hugs around, and this is not just the very best of Illinois, this is the very best of humanity, so I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership,” Giannoulias said. […]
“We’ve met people who have been here for 38 years, 39 years, 24 years. I mean, unless you’re here meeting them in person, it’s very tough to make that translation,” Giannoulias said. “That’s also why we’ve been trying to visit as many of our driver services facilities as possible to really see the challenges that Illinoisans are facing, to get to meet our employees, to see the hard work that they do. “
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 12:57 pm
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Previous Post: Afternoon roundup
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Thanks for this. I needed it today.
Comment by ugh Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 1:04 pm
Having worked with the mentally challenged, it is my experience that being valued is their second strongest desire; with being loved first.
Comment by Lurker Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 1:06 pm
I saw the WCIA report and was very touched. And I’m especially happy to read that they are not earning a subminimum wage. Another thing for which we can be proud of our state.
Comment by KSDinCU Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 1:14 pm
So wow every SOS going back to Edgar has supported this contract?? Very cool…
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 1:20 pm
Our state does a lot of things “right”.
Very good news story.
Comment by Back to the Future Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 1:24 pm
My Aunt Cathy worked at MRI for closer to 40 years. She was an amzing person and as Alexi said, it’s tough to explain how special these people are without meeting them. I’d say the same about Special Olympics. Great stories. Thanks for posting this Rich.
Comment by Dave Comerford Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 1:26 pm
As a mother of a child who has developmental disabilities, this really warms my heart. Please keep this wonderful program going!
Comment by West Sub Ladi Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 1:30 pm
I have the privilege of working with around folks like this most every day. Progress is being made to provide them with opportunities for competitive, integrated employment and increased independence. The work ethic and dedication of this population far exceeds that of many non-disabled workers. They may be limited in the types of jobs they can do but they make up for that with their soft skills. Always smiling, great attitude, and loyal to a fault. They take great pride in their work. Though my job is assist them, I’m sure I get much more from my interactions with them than they do from me.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 1:42 pm
Hat’s off to Amy Bliefnick and the wonderful folks who work along side and enhance the results..thanks a lot.
Comment by flea Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 2:27 pm
What a really cool story, genuinely love seeing the best of Illinois stories like this.
A new list to the things that make me proud to be an Illinoisan. A salute to everyone at MRI for their hard work
Comment by interestante Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 2:30 pm
Great story. More of this, please.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 2:58 pm
Great stuff.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 3:10 pm
This is really doing the work necessary of good governing, good politics, and feel *good* story.
This is well done by all.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 3:12 pm
Great story indeed.
I used to work at Lambs Farm in Libetryville. The founders were very progressive for their time. They believed in people with disabilities, that they could be very productive if given the opportunity.
Comment by Proud Papa Bear Wednesday, Mar 8, 23 @ 7:05 pm
Wouldn’t it be great if we paid all people in Illinois at least the minimum wage regardless of their disability status? The state no longer contracts with vendors who pay a subminimum wage—it’s time to do away with Illinois’ use of the federal subminimum wage waiver all together. Everyone deserves dignity in the workplace.
Comment by Who else Thursday, Mar 9, 23 @ 7:34 am