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The funding provided to the Capper Foundation will support the creation and setup of the Caitlyn Halsey Empowerment Center (CHEC). The center aims to provide employment training, skill-building and job placement opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Topeka and Shawnee County.
“What makes this so special is that every cent raised comes from the pockets of our employees and trustees,” said Parr. “And, to have 100% participation from our people is something I’m so very proud of.”
“The Capper Foundation shares the values of FreeState, and that’s to make life better for those they serve,” said Chris Parr, CEO. “I can’t say enough about our employees and trustees here at FreeState; they have knocked it out of the park again.”
FreeState is driven by cooperative principles that include a mission of making a difference through various initiatives and community support programs. Employee and trustee generosity is a testament to this dedication. Since 2016, employees and trustees have given $185,000 to various organizations in the cooperative’s service territory.
“I think when we can do things for others in this capacity it goes beyond just a donation,” said Jeanine Murphy, board president. “It’s the ability to make a big impact with people coming together to not only support a great organization, but also just bring awareness of the Caitlyn Halsey Empowerment Center. We want everybody to know about the difference it makes in the lives of so many.”
The cooperative trustees felt the CHEC was an initiative they could get behind.
Located in Topeka, the CHEC will serve as a central hub for individualized workforce development, job coaching and wraparound support for adults with disabilities who aspire to gain and maintain meaningful employment. The center will offer customized job training and skill-building workshops, technology stations for resume writing, job searches and interview preparation, employer recruitment events, job fairs and one-on-one coaching with Empowerment Center staff. It will also provide a supportive environment for building soft skills and professional confidence.
The center aims to bridge the gap between ability and employment, offering tools, technology, environment and support. Participants will receive training and job placement assistance, experiencing the joy of earning a paycheck, contributing to their community and gaining greater independence.
“It’s heartwarming,” Edie Smith, VP of Development and Marketing for the Capper Foundation, said of the support provided by FreeState. “The center will provide opportunities that typically have not been there before.”
“If there is training, assistance, and placement in employment in the workforce, along with coaching that supports them, it’s really the recipe for success.”
The investment FreeState employees and trustees have made in the Capper Foundation will ensure that individuals with disabilities have a place to learn, grow and thrive in the workplace for years to come.
For more information about the CoBank Sharing Success program, please visit https://freestate.pub/CoBank25.