Quest, Inc. is proud to offer staffing solutions in the healthcare, dining and hospitality industries. This initiative meets business partners’ needs while fulfilling our mission to advance employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Employment Continuum and Business Enterprises Programs
Through Quest’s Employment Continuum, we offer Business Enterprises programs operated within our facilities with constant staff supervision and assistance. These programs aim to allow participants hands-on training that can be utilized for future work opportunities in the community.
Apryl has spent nearly five years working with Business Enterprises, adding RFID tags to cups for a large hospitality and entertainment company. The tags allow the company to track how many cups they sell daily. Each individual is tasked with tagging one box of cups daily to maintain a weekly delivery schedule.
Excellence in Production: Apryl Exceeds Expectations
The production process is Apryl’s favorite part of the job. With her own workstation that allows her to move at her own pace, Apryl exceeds expectations by completing three boxes daily. She is the fastest worker, finishing a box of cups in 45 minutes compared to the average three-hour time frame to complete the task. When the cups are finished, she eagerly loads the trucks for drop-off and helps unload them into the warehouse when new shipments arrive.
“Apryl has good working skills, and she’s been consistent. She does very well, and we can feel her absence when she’s not here,” said Teresa Wright, production coordinator-trade at Business Enterprises.
The Importance of Individualized Employment Opportunities
It is important for the individuals we serve to have employment opportunities that match their needs and preferences. While Apryl is limited in speech, working on the cups maximizes her workflow abilities while offering growth opportunities. She has learned to manage her time, improve her financial literacy, and gain social skills.
“We’re fortunate to have this business partnership that helps our clients mature,” said Teresa. “These individuals are preparing to work in the community, and this is a training ground for them to move to the next level and learn the work ethics needed to succeed in the community.”
Quest is thankful to have Apryl as a hardworking and dedicated Business Enterprises work program member. Her success exemplifies how individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive with the right opportunities.