Some individuals supported by CCL in Winfield and Arkansas City have found paid work through two cleaning contracts.
A year ago, a CCL crew began cleaning the Cowley County Health Department offices in Arkansas City twice a week. Seven clients participate – some work twice a week while others rotate and work part of the time.
Job coach Paulette Schadegg said their work includes cleaning bathrooms, gathering and taking out the trash, vacuuming, dusting and wiping down surfaces, organizing brochures and a bookshelf, cleaning the entry door and sweeping the entrance. It takes approximately an hour and a half each time.
That contract was recently renewed for another year.
A contract to clean Meyer Hall was recently approved by the City of Winfield. Meyer Hall, which is owned by the city, is occupied by CCL and Winfield Community Theatre. That contract was to begin March 15 and continue for a year if all goes well.
Those employed to clean Meyer Hall clean twice weekly and take out trash daily. They are responsible for the bathrooms, common areas on three floors, hallways, the stairs and stairwells, and all outside entrances. They must clean the glass doors as well as clean and sanitize all drinking fountains.
“These individuals are good workers because they are dependable, conscientious, eager to please you and welcome feedback on how they’ve done,” Paulette said.
“We want the individuals to become as independent as possible,” she said. “For instance, they will learn to shop for cleaning supplies, doing comparison pricing and making sure the products are what they need.”
Workers involved in both contracts receive a commensurate wage, which is defined by the Department of Labor as a special minimum wage to be paid to a worker who has a disability. It is based on his or her productivity level in proportion to that of a non-disabled person performing the same task. Time studies were completed before work began.
Individuals interested in working had to fill out applications at the day center and go through the normal process to get a job. In early March, details were being finalized.
“These cleaning contracts are an opportunity for individuals to have paid work,” said Rodney Perry, director of residential services. “It’s an opportunity to learn to be responsible for a job and, hopefully, transition into competitive employment.”
Some non-contract jobs are also available to clients in Meyer Hall. With a job coach, they clean offices and meeting rooms used by CCL and gather and take out trash.
Clients in El Dorado are paid by CCL to gather and take out trash in the offices and day center. Staff members are pursuing the contract to clean the offices and day center there so clients have opportunities like those in Winfield and Arkansas City.