Past Events & Successes

Community Connections awarded three-year CARF accreditation

Shelby, NC — 2/25/2010 — CARF International announced that Community Connections has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Services: Community . This is the first Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to Community Connections.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

Community Connections is a not-for-profit organization located at 138 Allendale Dr. Forest City, NC 28043. It has been providing Community Services Coordination Services in the Forest City area since March of 2009.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

For additional information, contact Jeff Adams at 704-471-0606.

Cleveland Vocational awarded three-year CARF accreditation

Shelby, NC — 2/25/2010 — CARF International announced that Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. (CVII) has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Services: Community Integration, Community Services Coordination programs. And, it's Community Employment Services: Job Development, Job Supports, Job-Site Training, Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services, Employee Development Services, and Organizational Employment Services. The latest accreditation is the 9th consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to CVII.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

CVII is a not-for-profit organization with offices at 650 North Post Rd. Shelby, NC. It has been providing Community Services and Community Employment Services in the Shelby area since 1984.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

For additional information, contact Jeff Adams at 704-471-0606.

HarvestWorks awarded three-year CARF accreditation

Shelby, NC — 2/24/2010 — CARF International announced that HarvestWorks, Inc. has been accredited for a period of three years for its Community Services: Child and Youth Services, Community Integration, Respite Services, and Supported Living programs.This is the first accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to HarvestWorks.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

HarvestWorks is a not-for-profit organization with offices at 891 North Post Rd. Shelby, NC. It has been Child and Youth Services, Community Integration, Respite Services, and Supported Living Services in the Shelby area since 2003.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

For additional information, contact Josh Lening at 704-487-7777.

It has long been Lee Greenwood's desire to visit Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. outsourcing and fulfillment center since he started serving as the national spokesperson for "Products for Good." And he finally got his chance Thursday.
"Products for Good" sells patriotic shadow boxes with un-circulated Iraqi coins that were decommissioned by Saddam Hussein at the end of the first Gulf War. Twenty five percent of the sales of the shadow boxes support various disabled veterans groups.

Greenwood wanted to meet the people and see how the shadow boxes are assembled. He toured the facility and signed hundreds of autographs.

Greenwood was welcomed by Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-10th district) who thanked him for helping raise funds for disabled vets and for supporting Cleveland Vocational.

Jo Boggs chairperson of the County Commissioners, other commissioners as well as County Manager David Dear presented a county commemorative shadow box and thanked Greenwood for his support of Cleveland Vocational. Boggs also gave him her personal county commissioner lapel pin.

Mayor Ted Alexander thanked Greenwood for supporting Cleveland County and presented him with the key of the city.
Greenwood then assembled a shadow box and autographed it. The shadow box will be used for a special fundraiser.

About Lee Greenwood:
Has charted more than 35 singles on the Billboard country music charts
His best known hit was 1984's "God Bless the U.S.A."

The song was played in heavy rotation during the Gulf War, following Sept. 11 and was re-released as a single during the 2003 U.S. in-vasion of Iraq

In the coming days, visit http://youtube.com/orderfulfillment to watch a video of Lee Greenwood making a shadow box at Cleveland Vocational.

Wednesday, Dec 10 2008 by Rebecca Clark of the Shelby Star

Cleveland Vocational Industries Inc. has ensured that some people aren't forgotten this holiday season. Namely, those behind bars.

Each year, CV's workforce processes and packages orders for inmates at 81 prisons across the state. "This year we did a total of 23,157 orders," said Marketing Director Jeff Adams. "It's up from last year's 22,414 orders." Adams said all of the proceeds would go to support the individuals with special needs that CV serves.

As part of CV's contract with the state Department of Correction, the company offers more than 180 food items to family and friends of inmates, who can order the items online or through a mail order.

All the items were shipped out to the prisons last week to ensure they arrive before Dec. 25. Cleveland Vocational started the program in 2003. Since then it has been growing steadily each year. "We fine tune it every year," Adams said. "We learn each year what could be better. It's a pretty tight ship."

The process is streamlined with their gift-packaging program that automates much of the process. Adams said they have a state of the art bar code scanning "pick and pack" line with a total of eight stations. Labels are scanned at each station and items added from the order. "One [station] might have M&Ms and another might have pickles," Adams said. After the final step of packaging, the items are stored on pallets and ready to be shipped out.

They operate the service two months out of the year and use a combination of staff, clients at CV, and the occasional temp worker. "It's really something we're proud of," CV's Ken Bagby previously told The Star. "It generates a lot of payroll for people who rise to the occasion to get the job done."

All items are nonperishable or "shelf stable" foods, that are ordered from vendors and include anything from Moon Pies to Snickers. Ideally this ...would be a year-round thing," Adams said. "Our dream is to be able to utilize it and create jobs year round."

 

Thursday, Oct 2 2008 by Allison Flynn of the Shelby Star

When the folks over at HarvestWorks started thinking about events that would raise money for a therapeutic recreational park, something small wasn't what they had in mind.

Instead, they planned a large Christian rock concert featuring Decyfer Down and regional performers Laura Kaufman, Jason Sweet and Exit 95. The concert will be Sunday beginning at 3:30 at Gardner-Webb University's Lutz Yelton Convocation Center.

"We were striving for the biggest thing we could do," said Jeff Adams, marketing coordinator for Cleveland Vocational Industries Inc. HarvestWorks is under the umbrella of CVII.

Plans for the park began a little over a year ago. HarvestWorks purchased 12 acres of land adjacent to its property on North Post Road. The park will designed to have three sections designed for various ages with a fourth section serving as a fitness area. There will also be a walking trail around the park and a shelter and firebox for picnics.

"This was something planned after we had a parent with an autistic son tell us ‘We need activities,'" said Ken Bagby, executive director of CVII.

"We worked with recreational therapists on each section. At some point this will be used by the public as well," he said.

Sunday's concert is the first fundraiser for the park, Adams said, which has an estimated cost of $750,000. Organizers hope to raise $30,000 from the fundraiser.

"Ticket sales are getting there," Bagby said. Tickets, which are $12 each (a 10 percent discount is applied for groups of 10 or more), can be purchased online through www.RamofGod.com or www.TheROCKFest.info. At the door, tickets will be $15.

Bagby, who is a fan of Christian rock, also wanted the event to showcase regional Christian performers.

"We felt like there is a lot of talent in the region. We wanted to take a bigger name and use local folks as well and do something that hadn't been done before," he said.

The result - "An awesome event for this community with a lot of fun and fellowship," Bagby said.

In addition to the music, Youth Rock, a youth ministry, will provide entertainment before and between musical acts.

Performers for The ROCKFest:

Decyfer Down - The North Carolina-based Christian rock group is made up of Josh Oliver, Brandon Mills, Caleb Oliver and Chris Clonts. The band aims to interpret truth based on God's word while stripping it down from religious traditions and terms.

Exit 95 - Formed in 2001, Exit 95's melodic rock has basis in a foundation of faith. The band has delivered its ministry across the Southeast and is currently working on an album that will debut this month.

Jason Sweet - Sweet uses songwriting as a chance to pour his heart out to God. His music, he says, is not necessarily for congregational worship, but more for individual worship. "These are the times when your in your car, alone in your bedroom, and other moments like this when it's just you and God," he said.

Laura Kaufman - While most teenagers wonder what they are going to be when they grow up, Laura felt a clear calling at the early age of 14. She released her first album, "Follow Christ," at 15, and by the time she graduated high school in 2002, her performances had become a fixture at venues throughout her native Ohio. Now 24, Laura is still following her calling. Her performances can be heard all around the country at coffee houses, churches, colleges, festivals and other venues. "Photographs"- her third album - was released in June.

Youth Rock Youth Rock is a ministry that is centered around evangelism for teens. The ministry's name is an acronym for Youth Reaching Others for Christ's Kingdom. The ministry fulfills its mission by putting on a production to attract students to hear the gospel. The group does this through crazy games, in-house videos, skits and music.

Sunday, Apr 27 2008, 9:47 pm Cassie Tarpley

"Enriching and enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities" is HarvestWorks' theme. In its third full growing season in their state-of-the-art greenhouses, the non-profit can enrich the lives of anyone who loves vegetables. HarvestWorks greenhouses are bursting with life, thanks to the hands-on direction of new greenhouse manager Lillie Boyles.

HarvestWorks greenhouses are bursting with life, thanks to the hands-on direction of new greenhouse manager Lillie Boyles.

Endlessly busy both inside and outside of the greenhouses, Lillie seems to always find time to give customers special attention as she prepares their purchase of fresh, naturally grown organic produce.

The recent merger of HarvestWorks with Cleveland Vocational Industries created a growth spurt, said Jeff Adams, marketing coordinator and intake specialist.

"All this activity provides agricultural experiences and invaluable activities for children and adults with disabilities," Adams said, and more new customers are coming in every week saying: "We wish we knew about this a long time ago!"

There are still lots of leafy greens available, but summer's fare is coming.

Fields will produce a variety of heirloom tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, regular and French filet beans, Swiss chard, okra, corn, beets and four varieties of potatoes.

There would be one other tender, tasty item, however, Adams said, "The deer already ate our snow peas, and they liked them!"

Want to know more? Visit:

891 N. Post Road N.C. 180, Shelby 704-487-7777

 

Saturday, Mar 29 2008, 11:17 pm Drew Brooks

The increasingly competitive search for employment is not a level playing field. Some job seekers have more barriers than others, making them less attractive hires to businesses.

According to a report by Cornell University, the employment rate of disabled Americans was 37.7 percent in 2006. The report estimated the number actively seeking work at 1.25 million.

But in Cleveland County, organizations such as Cleveland Vocational Industries are working to break those barriers and find employment for the county's disabled population.

Since its inception in 1984, the organization has placed more than 400 people in jobs throughout the community, said Polly Metcalf, community employment coordinator. One of those success stories is Daniel Freeman, who Cleveland Vocational highlighted in a recent newsletter. Freeman was employed by Mayflower Vehicle Systems in 2005.

Two years later, he was promoted and saw his wages nearly double to $16.40 per hour. Far from a burden on his employers, Freeman has impressed his supervisors and has even helped train the person who took over his old position, the organization said. Metcalf said misconception leads to the increased difficulty in finding jobs for the disabled. But she said that over the last 20 plus years, Cleveland County businesses have warmed up to the idea, with some companies embracing the practice.

"Employers were very hesitant. They had not done this before," Metcalf said. "The main misconception was that a person with a disability was unable to work. We have proven many times that's wrong."

Common concerns about job performance, flexibility and the cost of accommodation are reduced by job coaches who follow the new hires to their jobs and work with them until they are acclimated to their new positions.

"We don't place them and forget them," Metcalf said. Likewise, no one is rushed into a job before they are ready.

Before getting an outside job, many of the people Cleveland Vocational serves work within the facility. Inside they learn skills that can hopefully translate to outside jobs and supervisors help them overcome issues with socializing, staying on task, hygiene or other issues that could be barriers.

"You can't develop job skills if you don't have real work," Executive Director Ken Bagby said. "That attitude has helped us succeed as times have been rough." And while Bagby has watched it for more than 20 years, he said the progress made still amazes him.

Metcalf agrees.

"I've been here a long time and I've seen a lot of people placed in jobs," she said. "I like that. It makes me feel good."

For more information contact Cleveland Vocational Industries at 704-471-0606

 

Mark is a 41 year old male that has been working at Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. on and off for over five years. The opportunities Mark has had at Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. have enabled him to actualize his dreams to be a working citizen in our community.

Staff at Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. have been working with Mark on achieving his personal goals. Over the past 9 months Mark has shown a great deal of improvement toward meeting these goals. He is now interacting with his peers in social situations, attending weekly community outings, and maintaining steady employment through Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. He enjoys earning money, is proud of his job, and he has opened a bank account with his earnings. This week Mark is going out with a group to Forest City to go Bowling.

With the help of staff, Mark has also learned to write his name, address and telephone number. He is also now completing 500 to 1000 piece jig saw puzzles. Mark’s Case Manager just raves over the improvements. Mark’s Case Manager stated that she never knew Mark could come this far and be able to work and function at home and in the community so well. Mark is truly a success story!

 

Today, 8/9/2007, Bill Graham, Gubernatorial Candidate for North Carolina, visited Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. (CVII) to have a tour of the facility. The picture was taken as Ken Bagby was showing Bill Graham and Wayne King the different outsourcing jobs that Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. fulfills for local and national businesses. The tour lasted nearly 2 hours prior to his appearance at the Cleveland County Country Club. Bill Graham shared suggestions and interest in supporting the many different programs that Cleveland Vocational provides to offer differently abled individuals with employment opportunities.

 

From the left: Wayne King (Chairmen of the Republican Party in Cleveland County), Ken Bagby (Executive Director of Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc.), and Bill Graham (Gubernatorial Candidate).

 

Community Employment

David is a 48 year old male that has been receiving Supported Employment services through Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. since 1988. David has a Developmental Disability and is able to work in the community with the support of Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc.

David has been working at Ingles through the Supported Employment program since 2002. Prior to Ingles, David worked at Shelby Elastics and J & C Dying through the Cleveland Vocational Industries’ Supported Employment program.

On September 27th David received a certificate of appreciation for going above and beyond his duties in customer service. A customer called Ingles corporate office and gave him a compliment for being so helpful in the type service David delivered.

David is very proud of this accomplishment. David said that he was happy he was able to impress that person. This is yet another success story at Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc.!

 

2 MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY COMMUNITY MERGE!

The Board of Directors for Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. and HarvestWorks Inc. met today to affirm the merger between the two agencies effective this day. Earlier last week a proposal was presented to the executive boards of the two Cleveland County based businesses. Today’s meeting was to actualize this contract and move forward toward exciting new growth opportunities.

Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. began in 1984 to provide employment and training opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment. From the beginning, Cleveland Vocational Industries has set the standard for supported employment services and meeting the needs of the people they serve. In an effort to provide as much of an individualized service as possible, Cleveland Vocational Industries developed a variety of different programs to meet the needs of the people they serve. In November of 2001, Cleveland Vocational Industries started LifeSkills to meet the needs of individuals that do not have a desire to work but are still in need of daily activities. This program has always remained small with a professionally intimate touch, housed within the facility of Cleveland Vocational Industries. Enduring through the changes of mental health reform, LifeSkills has maintained and continues to provide a rich array of activities from arts and crafts to volunteer work in the community.

In May of 2003, Harvest Works began providing services with a vision to provide an agricultural farm based program. Over the years the board and staff of Harvest Works have worked passionately to form Harvest Works into a service that meets the needs of the people they serve. The community has contributed greatly into creating a rich environment of opportunities. By offering diverse activities within an agricultural environment, individuals with developmental disabilities can fulfill their desire to succeed. Harvest Works has evolved into providing a growing day activity program much like LifeSkills at Cleveland Vocational Industries.

In March of 2006, all human service agencies were forced to make drastic changes in the way they do things. For some agencies the changes meant shutting down or downsizing; while for others, it meant a restructuring of their infrastructure. For more established companies these changes, while still encumbering, may have merely required rearranging schedules and some altering of perspectives. In spite of these changes, both Cleveland Vocational Industries and Harvest Works have managed to survive. Now the agencies have come together to assess how they can strengthen the services they provide to the individuals they serve and the community.

As Travis Mangum, CEO of Harvest Works, states “We are joining forces toward a mutual goal, two powerhouses to create a stronger, bigger voice to advocate for the people and families we serve!” Both Cleveland Vocational Industries and Harvest Works are Cleveland County based non-profit agencies supported by local and regional grants. Both agencies have strong and caring board members that are proactive toward growth. “There will be no lapse in service, the merger will expand the continuum of services and put us within the forefront of the industry” said Cindy Teddy, Board of Directors with Harvest Works.

By merging, Cleveland Vocational Industries will strengthen Harvest Work’s mission with their strong backbone of years of experience. Harvest Works will strengthen Cleveland Vocational’s vision by expanding their LifeSkills’ program and providing them with agricultural opportunities. The opportunities for growth with the two agencies together will enhance our community’s economy.

Today the two boards met and made a unanimous decision to actualize this merger. Harvest Works and Cleveland Vocational Industries will maintain their unique identities while supporting each other toward providing ultimate service delivery. Harvest Works has become a subsidiary of Cleveland Vocational Industries. The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial handshake between the Executive Board Members: Helen Turpish, Tommy Gunn, Travis Mangum and Ken Bagby. In closing, Executive Director of Cleveland Vocational Industries, Ken Bagby stated “We are excited at the opportunity to expand our vocational component to an agricultural based business model. This opportunity will allow us to train people for the future of bio-technology employment opportunities. Harvest Works’ board will serve in an advisory capacity ensuring that their mission and dream will move forward. We hope to make them proud of our endeavors.”

 

Last night Loretta Moore was nominated “Volunteer of the Month” at the Shelby City Council Meeting. Sharing with everyone she speaks with that she had just turned 80 last week; Ms Moore expressed her appreciation to the City Council for Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. (CVII) contributions to the community. Loretta Moore volunteered over 4 years at the United Agencies Thrift Store (UA Thrift), located on 1316 South Lafayette Street Shelby. She gave approximately 4,160 hours of her time to help sort and display donated books at the thrift store.

UA Thrift was created by Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. (CVII) to offer real retail employment and training opportunities individuals with barriers to employment. Profits from the store are shared annually with several Cleveland County non-profits.

UA Thrift has grown to be the largest thrift store in Cleveland County. Loretta’s service greatly contributed to CVII’s mission and her philanthropic time contributed to the betterment of Cleveland County.

Last month the UA Thrift held a thank you celebration party for Ms. Moore her last week of volunteering. There was a large attendance of community members to give her best wishes. The volunteer service is continuing with a new volunteer at the UA Thrift. Loretta Moore’s service will be missed and many members of the community will miss seeing her during their shopping experience at the UA Thrift.

 

Packaging for California CompanyCleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. met with Hank Abrahams, the General Manager of Continental West Sales Company, Inc. out of the Bay Area, California and David Prochnow, General Manager of Subcon Packing & Assembly from LaGrange, Illinois. Continental West Sales Company, Inc. is an independent disposal agent for some of the largest food companies in the US (e.g. Dole, Del Monte, etc…). The meeting was to discuss the logistics of a new re-work project that CVII will fulfill for the companies.

Continental West Sales Company, Inc. was referred to CVII by David Prochnow who found CVII via the internet. Both General Managers were very impressed with the overall organization and operations of CVII and expressed having very pleasant and welcoming visit to Shelby. Negotiations were settled successfully and the job will bring more work to our community and the individuals that CVII serve.

Recycling polypropylene from cones of yarn for area textiles has been a large source of work for CVII since the advent the company in 1984. As textile industries have progressively been leaving our county CVII has been forced to find alternative work for the training associates that they serve. The holiday program for the Department of Corrections has been a huge success only runs 2 months out of the year. CVII successfully maintains contracts for continuous outsourcing projects with various other companies but the work is not enough to keep it’s 130 plus training associates busy every day of the week year around.

CVII has developed a state of the art system to fulfill the holiday program which can handle over 180 different products. CVII hopes to find a business that will want to outsource year around using this advanced system. The new re-work project is going to help fill in the downtime as CVII continues its search for that big full time project.

David Prochnow and Hank Abrahams toured CVII’s facility on 180 North Post Rd., the warehouse on Double Shoals, and the UA Thrift Store. The 2 General Managers were impressed with the vast space available in the 2 facilities. They shared that they may be sending more work our way in addition to the 3 projects already in motion.

 

Spring cleaning is right around the corner. And the UA Thrift will even come and pick up your items! It's time to dig out all those old clothes, shoes, extra tools, pots and pans and donate them to the UA Thrift. Ever feel like a pack rat? Now is the time to do something about it and make a difference in not only yourself but your county. The UA Thrift donates profits to local businesses, so when you donate you're helping our community.

So, clean up that clutter and bring it to the UA Thrift. Call 704-484-3737 to see if it's something that we will pick up. Have a mismatching appliance or one you want to upgrade? Lawnmowers, books, toys, it's endless and we'll take it. Visit us today at 1316 South Lafayette Street Shelby, NC Mon. thru Sat. 10 AM to 6 PM.

 

The board of Directors of Cleveland Vocational adopted a resolution naming it’s employee education fund the John Laughlin Educational Trust Fund at it’s scheduled March 20, 2007 meeting. “John has served in the past as the Chief Board Officer for Cleveland Vocational and gives of his time and money not only to Cleveland Vocational but to other organizations and individuals in Cleveland County ” said current Chair of the Board Myra Littman.

“We couldn’t think of a finer way to honor his dedication and commitment to quality services for people in our county that have handicapping conditions” she added.

“We are committed to growing leaders within our organization who will take the reins when some of us old-timers retire” said Ken Bagby , CEO of Cleveland Vocational.

Ken added, “The educational trust will allow employees to continue their education and develop leadership skills”, it is important to pass on our corporate culture and commitment to quality”. ”I have known John for years and he is truly a person who exhibits the finest Christian qualities in his daily life, I am thrilled to be able to recognize his work in our community” said Ken.

If you would like to contribute to the John Laughlin Educational Trust Fund you may do so by mailing a donation to:

John Laughlin Educational Trust Fund
C/O Cleveland Vocational
650 North Post Rd.
Shelby, N.C. 28150

You can also send a payment electronically by using PayPal by sending payment to paypal@cvii.org . Cleveland Vocational is a 501-C3 private tax-exempt organization so your donation should be tax-deductible.

 

Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. (CVII) is currently doing a cell phone fundraiser. The money they raise from donated cell phones will be used to fund their programs which support the developmentally disabled population.

CVII provides employment and training opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment. They do this by assisting individuals with acquiring real jobs in the community. CVII also offers real work experience at their 56,000 square foot where they fulfill the outsourcing needs of other business both locally and nationally. The staff are trained to work with individuals on learning and completing jobs successfully. Staff also work with individuals at the facility and in the community on their personal goals such as social skills development and other independent living skills.

UA Thrift Store
1316 South Lafayette St, Shelby, N.C. Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc.
650 North Post Road
Shelby, NC 28150

Recycling Centers
Any of the 9 Recycling Centers nearest you in Cleveland County.

Recycling cell phones is very important for the environment. Cell phones and their batteries contain many harmful toxins, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and zinc which can be detrimental to the environment if they end up in landfills. By donating your old cell phones you can help CVII raise money to support their programs, while at the same time help the environment.

For more information please regarding CVII or the Cell Phone Drive contact Jeff Adams at (704) 471-0606.

 

Thursday, Dec 15 2005 Cassie Tarpley of the Shelby Star

Saddam Husseins gold could raise a lot of money for U.S. soldiers and their families. It could also mean a lot of money in Cleveland Countys economy.

Boiling Springs entrepreneur Michael Crowders company is selling commemorative shadow boxes fitted with patriotic images and gold coins that once belonged to Saddam Hussein. If the project raises the hoped-for $20 million for soldiers families, it could enrich Cleveland Countys economy by about $10 million, he says.

The boxes are being marketed nationally, with television talk-show spots featuring country singer Lee Greenwood, but Crowder said he worked hard to place most of the contract work with Cleveland County businesses.

Its the neatest thing, said Wes Westmoreland of Westmoreland Printers in Shelby. Were not going to have many things that get the attention this one does that come out of Shelby.

Crowder and partners Lane Ostrow and Terry Pendleton of Charlotte-based Products for Good bought the uncirculated coins seized after Husseins fall in Iraq. Three shadow box designs use one, two or four coins in each box.

The great thing, Crowder told The Star, is weve sold 3,000 or 4,000 of these and people havent even seen them yet. Sixty percent of the orders are for the four-coin sets, which just blew me away. I thought the smaller ones would sell more.

Local businesses at work

Westmorelands company is producing all the print material an American flag background, iconic photos from Sept. 11, etc., and text about the project.

Wes has been instrumental in making this happen smoothly and easily, Crowder said. and he introduced me to Ken Bagby, president of Cleveland Vocational Industries in Shelby.

The partners chose CVI number one, because he had the ability to scale, Crowder said. In this project we dont know whether were going to sell 100,000 or 1 million in the next six months. We needed someone to be able to handle it any size, and I believe Ken has the ability to do this.

Westmoreland wouldnt disclose contract details, but its a significant part of our business this year, he said.

This is a very small portion of what could be a major thing over the next year for us and for CVI, Westmoreland said. If this thing ramps up, then its significant employment for people. We would probably hire some help to get that done.

The bad thing, Westmoreland said, is that one day it ends theres only a fixed number of coins.

But this group could have had this done anywhere they wanted to. We started working with them and apparently met their needs. Whether its a 50,000-piece run or a 2 million-piece run, they made sure it stayed with local businesses and I think thats tremendous.

Assembly of the components started Dec. 5.

We expect more than a million units to go through CVI, said Allan Nichols, the companys marketing director.

At a million, it would represent more than $2 million in billing the single largest contract that weve ever had. Currently, we have 31 employees working on the project. That will double by the start of next week and could employ as many as 100 eventually, he said.

This is the best-paying job in our current roster, Nichols said.

In time for Christmas

Finished boxes are being sent in bulk to First Plover Co. of Rock Hill, S.C., for individual order shipment.

Its so important to Crowder that his promise of gifts by Christmas is kept, hes packing them himself.

These are rare gifts, he says, and he and his partners in a project to sell Husseins coins to help families of American troops have been working side by side this week with CVI workers to get the first shipments out in time for Christmas.

What were doing right now is making sure we get all these orders out, he said Monday, taking a break from packing and taping cartons.

We want people to grasp the fact that this coin set is not about Iraq, Crowder said. Its about freedom and its about our veterans and its about supporting our troops. It has pictures of Iwo Jima, pictures of 9/11 and its perfect for our veterans. The coins are symbols of freedom.

 

Nathan Nejberger thrusts his thumbs in the air — his signature success symbol — as he talks about yet another milestone in his 10-year struggle with traumatic brain injury.

At 17, he should have died, doctors said, when the church van he and friends were traveling home in plunged down a mountainside.

At 27, he’s defied doomsayers who declared he would die, that if he lived he’d never walk or talk and that he would certainly never have a meaningful life again.

"I still have doctors who look at my papers, then look at me and shake their heads," Nejberger said.

As he talks, he’s just finished his morning job at Ichabod’s Public House in uptown Shelby, where he’s been working 21 hours a week through the Community Employment Department at Cleveland Vocational Industries.

CVI has thoroughly trained him to develop the skills necessary to excel in the competitive marketplace, said CVI Director Ken Bagby.

He also works several hours a week at CVI, which contracts for jobs that are done by its clients.

After three years in the program, Nejberger was recently hired by Ichabod’s, where owners Patrick and Louise McNellis said they are pleased with his performance and attitude.

"We had put out the word in the community that we would be interested in hiring someone with disabilities," Mrs. McNellis said. "We want to be an equal opportunity employer and want to help the community out as much as possible."

The primary benefit for Ichabod’s, Patrick McNellis said, "is it gives us a business with heart and a business with a connection to the community.

"It isn’t always necessarily an economic consideration," he said. "Money comes and goes and at the end of the day you like to have something to count besides your profit and loss."

Nejberger takes pride in his responsibilities at the restaurant —maintenance, cleaning duties and dish washing, Mrs. McNellis said.

"He’s always on time," she said. "He’s a character, got quite the personality."

CVI’s one-on-one approach makes the CVI/Ichabod’s partnership work, she said.

CVI clients have job coaches — right now Lisa Marie Bishop is Nejberger’s and other staff members have worked with him.

Ms. Bishop met him at UA Thrift, where she coached him in his first job outside CVI. He also worked at Crawley Memorial Hospital through CVI.

"She’s a good friend of mine and I can tell her what’s going on with me and ask for support," Nejberger said.

The work opportunities through CVI have helped him "big time," Nejberger said.

"It’s helped me get back to what I’m working for the most — my independence."

Where has he made the most progress?

"My memory — and I think I can do things more independently now," he said. "I think I’ve learned to listen more and I take life more seriously. Before my accident, I used to take everything as a joke."

What does Ms. Bishop do for Nejberger? "Anything he needs — help him keep a steady pace while he works, know the appropriate times to socialize, using appropriate language."

Nejberger said his injury affected his brain’s left frontal lobe, which controls judgment: "I like to socialize a little too much."

Lisa helps him refocus, he said. She often models tasks to help teach him how to do them.

"I work one on one or in small groups with adults who have developmental disabilities or, in Nathan’s case, traumatic brain injury. Some are suggestible, some have safety issues. We teach them specific job skills and daily like tasks."

Friday, Sep 9 2005 by Margarita Venegas from the Shelby Star

Buses carrying exhausted volunteers from First Baptist Church rolled into town Thursday night after leaving Monday for Laurel, Miss.

The volunteers helped Cleveland Countys adopted sister city by serving food, cutting downed trees and helping out where needed.

Its so overwhelming, volunteer Katie Graves said of the experience, and the people are so tired.

The city is still somewhat disorganized, Mrs. Graves said, as is to be expected when such a devastating event takes place.

We found that when you go down there, you just plug in where you can, she said.

The boiling water notice for Laurel was lifted a couple of days ago, however there are still pockets of people in Jones County who need water, according to Shelby Fire Chief Roland Hamrick, who e-mails daily updates on the status of adopt-a-city donations and conditions of Laurel.

While the need for water may be subsiding, other needs are coming to the forefront.

When we left, the needs were canned goods and food and baby needs lots of diapers, Mrs. Graves said. While we were at the shelter, we ran out of canned goods.

The city has also put out a call for help in getting tarps, nails, cornstarch, feminine products, hygiene products such as deodorant and dental care items, according to Hamrick and Mrs. Graves.

A.V. Dedmon Trucking picked up a tractor trailer loaded with supplies to take down to Laurel Thursday night, Hamrick said. Donations of supplies and monetary contributions have been steady this week, according to Hamricks updates.

Daily life is also getting back to normal in Laurel.

Hamrick keeps in touch with people in Laurel, who have said the gas pump waiting lines are improving the wait is only about 10 minutes now.

Electricity has been restored to 55 percent of the homes in the city and county. The power agency has predicted that 100 percent will be restored by Sept. 15, Hamrick wrote in his Thursday update, adding Laurel is in close proximity to other areas that received more damage than them. It makes them the perfect place to be a distribution center for supplies to these areas. They are sending items that they dont need to the other areas.

Here are what other groups are doing to help Laurel, Miss., and other areas affected by Hurricane Katrina:

Making Laurel cool

Ken Bagby, director of Cleveland Vocational Industries, is taking a group of about 30 people to Laurel Sunday to help with cleanup efforts. While in contact with emergency operations people there, Bagby learned there is a need for ice.

Bagby talked with Mulls Memorial Baptist Church pastor Ervin Price about the situation and Price posed a solution. Instead of just trying to take a few bags with the volunteers, Price pointed out that most churches, schools and some businesses have ice machines. If they could get a refrigeration truck donated, the group could set a date for groups to bring bags of ice from their ice machines to a set location and load up the truck, Bagby explained.

I thought, Man, why didnt we think of that a week ago, Bagby said.

The plan is still in development a refrigeration truck would need to be donated or money donated for the rental of a truck. Once that is done, an ice donation day can be set.

For more information, call Bagby at (704) 471-0606.

Student challenge

A student in Traci Hoppes third grade class at Township Three Elementary School sits outside the guidance counselors office and waits from 8 to 8:10 a.m. for classmates to walk by so he can ask them for change.

Kendall Scruggs is raising money for Hurricane Katrina relief, challenging the school to raise $400 for the American Red Cross, said Ms. Hoppes, Kendalls teacher. In two days, she said, the school has already donated $370. The donations will be delivered to the American Red Cross Sept. 14. Checks and cash can be dropped off at the school, 526 Davis Road, Shelby. Call the school at (704) 487-7809.

Bookbag donations

Marion School has collected and stuffed about 40 bookbags so far and theyre hoping to adopt a school in Laurel to distribute them.

Fourth-grade teacher Kim Lee did a little research and found that Mason Elementary School in Laurel has about the same number of students and is in a building that looks similar to Marions building.

The pair just seems to fit together, she said.

The school is collecting bookbags and items to fill the bags notebook paper, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, etc. Those who want to donate can drop items off at the school during regular hours or at the Monday night PTO meeting. The collection will continue through Tuesday.

For more information, call the school at (704) 487-5931.

Church collection

Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby is joining the Adopt Laurel effort and is starting a three-week collection of nonperishable goods. Contributions should be taken to the Life Enrichment Center/gymnasium. The entrance is on Elizabeth Road, between East Marion Street and North Post Road.

A church team will travel to Laurel but the date is not yet scheduled, said coordinator Tom Walters. At that point, the church plans to adopt a specific congregation, he said.

We have 45 members who are qualified in disaster relief through N.C. Baptist Men and two teams will be going to the disaster area with that organization.

Wednesday, Oct 26 2005 by Cassie Tarpley at the Shelby Star

Have you heard the one about Saddam Hussein helping Americas war widows?

Its true.

And the story is unfolding right here in Cleveland County.

Coins with Saddam Husseins picture on them no longer legal tender in Iraq are being placed into commemorative shadow boxes and will be sold with the goal of raising at least $20 million to help families of soldiers killed or wounded in the worldwide war on terrorism.

On the job Tuesday morning, Greg Carrigan, Nannette Whitehouse, Donnie Ripply and Wayne Helms had their hands on some of the boxes first components, being printed in Shelby at Westmoreland Printers, right across from Cleveland Mall.

Soon, employees at Cleveland Vocational Industries will receive a supply of coins, the printed flag background, the words that tell the coins story and the glass-enclosed wooden frames. All the assembly work will be done at the business on North Post Road.

Shelby native and Crest graduate Michael Crowder and his partner, Lane Ostrow, are marketing the shadow boxes which will cost from $40 to $120 and getting some pretty high-profile help.

Today, country singer Lee Greenwood is winding up a national media blitz, and rumors of an Oprah visit to Cleveland County are circulating.

Media stops for Crowder, Ostrow, Greenwood and his publicist Kirt Webster range from MSNBCs Rita Cosby Live & Direct to Armed Forces radio.

We expect to be shipping within four weeks, Crowder, co-owner of Products for Good, told The Star Monday. We hope to have many out by the end of November so folks can have them for Christmas presents.

In an exclusive interview Monday with The Star, Greenwood talked about why he signed on for the project.

I like to do business with great Americans, he said. These two guys got their hearts in the right place.

About a year ago, Crowder got a phone call about 35 tons of Iraqi coins that had been bought and then sold to help an orphanage. He passed, but his contact was persistent. Now hes glad. We had a brainstorm , he said. What if Saddams image could be used to help some of those he had hurt? Greenwood agrees.

Sobering visit

To me this is a humanitarian cause, he said. A recent visit to the amputee ward at Walter Reed Army Medical Center brought it home, he said.

Its pretty sobering. These guys are in a different life. They come back without an arm or leg, and Im asking, What can I do to make your life better?

Right down the line, they say, Take care of our families. Were going to the right place with this. You might think they need bigger machines and more equipment, but they tell me what they need is the public to support them.

Greenwood said he feels led to be responsible for that to make sure we take care of the families. These Iraqi coins that have been confiscated and packaged its the responsibility of the citizens of America to do this. I cant imagine what it takes to survive for a woman with four children, trying to make a house payment.

We want to get the message out quickly, he said. The quicker we get it out there, the quicker theyre sold, the quicker the families get the help they need.

Two funds

When a dollar comes in, before any expenses are paid for, Crowder said, the first 25 percent is pulled out and sent to Operation Family Fund (families of soldiers who either died or became disabled during the war on terror) and the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund.

This goes to an accounting firm. We dont touch it, Crowder said. This is something that sometimes I have to pinch myself. People can hang this on the wall and know that theyve had a part.

The announced goal is $20 million, he said, but it could go as high as $40 million.

The other great part for Cleveland County is all of these will be assembled at Cleveland Vocational. Ken Bagby at CVI is going to manage the entire process.

And Wes [Westmoreland] has been instrumental in making this happen smoothly and easily. Hes been important to this, and he introduced me to the Cleveland Vocational folks.

Westmoreland said the neatest thing about the whole deal is that the first quarter of every dollar of sales not profits goes to the families.

The next neatest: Were not going to have many things that get the attention this one does that come out of Shelby.

Boxes are designed by Wendy Kraizel of Charlotte. They come in three sizes w/one coin $39.99, two $79.99, four, $119.99, plus shipping charges.

At Westmoreland, theyre working on the first 50,000 pieces. The work will be done in batches. The coins are not stored in Shelby or Cleveland County

On the Web: http://www.productsforgood.com and www.leegreenwood.com

For Immediate Release Contact: Jeff Adams Cleveland Vocational Industries (704) 471-0606

Keys to a future: Jalopies for Jobs

Daniel receiving car keys to his new ride!Cleveland Vocational Industries’ Community Employment program is making a difference in Cleveland County. Their Community Employment Program is helping people find and maintain employment every day in our community. One of the largest hurdles to overcome for the many people seen in this program is finding transportation. Cleveland Vocational started “Jalopies for Jobs” as a way to overcome this barrier. This unique program has been assisting individuals with obtaining transportation for over 10 years.

Many of the individuals that enter the Community Employment program want to work but have no vehicle and no family support. Although employment may be soon located, the job offers may expire before transportation can be arranged. It is because of this that Cleveland Vocational Industries began to ask the community for donations of vehicles. Any job candidate that receives a car must agree to remain employed for a year and must develop a budget to pay insurance and maintenance on the vehicle. The program retains title to the vehicles for up to one year as recipients must maintain a good work history.

Cleveland Vocational Industries is a nonprofit organization with offices at 650 North Post Road Shelby, NC 28150. They have been providing community services in Cleveland County since 1984. If you have a good used vehicle that you can donate, or the next time you purchase a new car, donate your used one to Cleveland Vocational to provide transportation to a new employee in Cleveland County!

“Jalopies for Jobs” accepts donations of late model, operating vehicles. Donations are tax deductible. For information on joining the Cleveland Vocational Community Employment program, or to donate an operating vehicle, please contact Jeff Adams at 704-471-0606.

 

For Immediate Release Contact: Jeff Adams Cleveland Vocational Industries (704) 471-0606

CARFShelby, North Carolina-1/30/2007- CARF announced that Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. has been accredited for a period of three years for its Case Management/Services Coordination, Community Integration, Community Employment Services, Job Development Employment Services, Job-Site Training Employment Services Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services, Employee Development Services, Organizational Employment Services, Assessment and Referral, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (Adults) programs. The latest accreditation is the 6th consecutive Three-Year Accreditation outcome that the international accrediting commission has awarded to Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. In addition to receiving this accreditation CARF gave Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. the highest commendation possible for use of technology.

This accreditation outcome represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the standards established by CARF. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation outcome has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with offices at 650 North Post Road Shelby, NC 28150. It has been providing community services in Cleveland County since 1984.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

 

Monday, Dec 11 2006 by Graham Cawthon of the Shelby Star
Security Plus Packaging

They come each day by the dozens, furiously working in unison for hours on end. Boxing, unboxing, sorting. Making sure every item on every wish list is accounted for. It’s not Santa’s workshop, but for more than 20,000 North Carolina inmates it may as well be.

For four years, the clients at Cleveland Vocational Industries Inc. have been Santa’s elves to prison inmates across the state, packing and sending food and snacks to prisoners during the one time each year they can receive gifts from friends and family. In the back of the Cleveland Vocational building on South Post Road is a warehouse packed with hundreds, if not thousands, of boxes shrink-wrapped and ready to be shipped to 80 state prison facilities and, at last count, 20,924 inmates.

Feet away, Cleveland Vocational workers man the assembly line, sorting such items as candy, lasagna, crackers and oysters. Fred Wilson was one of 25 to 30 who hurriedly boxed items last week. Wilson, wearing a Joe Montana jersey and black ball cap, said it’s a fast-paced environment and it’s easy to fall behind since he has so many smaller items, like fish and clams, to pack at his assembly-line station. But the work is satisfying and for a good cause.

Ken Bagby, Cleveland Vocational’s executive director, has overseen the N.C. Department of Correction’s Holiday Package Program all four years the operation has been involved. It’s been a stressful few months for Bagby, who wasn’t given the go-ahead on this year’s job until he was forced to bid on the three-year $3.5 million contract in September. He feared waiting so late to begin sending flyers and order forms to prisons would push the schedule back. However, Bagby’s constant software improvements have ensured this year’s as the most efficient job to date, despite some product delays due to a recent snowstorm in St. Louis.

Orders are up more than 2,000 this year as a result of two new prisons, Bagby said, and he praised the hard work of his clients, who average 94 packed boxes per hour. “They do this every day,” said Production Coordinator Tony Izzi, as he surveyed the work in the warehouse. Izzi said production in the warehouse has been non-stop since October. The final shipment is expected to go out Wednesday, making the total count of boxes sent this year a conservative 25,000 to 30,000.

Friday, Sep 22 2006, Graham Cawthon with the Shelby Star

Ken Bagby hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in more than a month. The executive director of Cleveland Vocational Industries Inc. can sleep easy now. After several anxious weeks not knowing whether his company would again oversee the North Carolina Department of Correction’s Holiday Package Program, Bagby finally received the go-ahead Thursday morning.

Now he has until Oct. 3 to send 110,000 order forms and 2,000 brochures to 78 prisons throughout the state. Then receive the orders, package the items and ship boxes out to 19,000 inmates in time for the holiday season. The pressure is on but, after three years, Bagby is confident in Cleveland Vocational’s ability to get the job done.

“I think we can do it,” he said. “We all know what we’re doing and what we’re up against at this point. We’ve got the experience factor going into it.” The contract was awarded to Cleveland Vocational following a bidding process held Sept. 14 in which Cleveland Vocational beat out three of the top grocery companies in the country, Bagby said. “It’s such a wonderful feeling,” he said. “You feel like David versus Goliath.” A call to the Department of Correction for a list of bidders was not returned Thursday.

The three-year contract, which is expected to bring more than $3 million into the community, allows for a yearly cost-of-living increase, something Cleveland Vocational did not previously receive. “I can’t even describe how important it is,” Bagby said. “There’s some happy campers running around here this afternoon.” He said he and the Cleveland Vocational workers who participate in the Holiday Package Program pride themselves on their efficiency, which Bagby said was 99.6 percent, and customer service. “It’s really something we’re proud of,” he said. “It generates a lot of payroll for people who rise to the occasion to get the job done.”

 

Sunday, Oct 12 2003 by Amy Kenna of the Shelby Star

Josh Houck works the closing shift at McDonalds in Blacksburg, S.C. He gets off around 1 a.m. Drives home to his apartment in Boiling Springs. Crashes into bed. Wakes up at 8 a.m. and rushes to class. Gets off at 3:30 p.m. Drives back to Blacksburg. He works seven days a week. Gets about five hours of sleep a night. Spends his few waking moments with his girlfriend.

Josh sounds like your typical overworked young adult. Except he isnt. Josh Houck is only 17.

Andrea Brice plows through several 300-page workbooks a week. She makes high marks on all her work, never misses a day of class. She is determined to attend Cleveland Community College and become a registered nurse. Her teachers have nothing but praise for her.

She sounds like your typical straight-A student. Except she isnt. Andrea Brice was held back three times in school. Once in the third grade. Twice in the ninth grade. Andrea was a 17-year-old freshman last year at Kings Mountain High. At some point she got fed up and quit.

It wasnt that she didnt like learning. She just couldnt relate. The kids were like 14, 15, she said. I just wasnt feeling school at that time.

A reason why

Theres a term for teen-agers like Josh Houck and Andrea Brice. High school dropouts. Theres also a reason for teen-agers like Josh Houck and Andrea Brice. You just have to look for it.

There is a reason why every student has withdrawn from high school, said Robin Edwards, an instructor who works with students like Josh and Andrea. The regular school setting obviously didnt work.

Mrs. Edwards teaches FOCUS Academy, a school for students who quit school but havent given up on the dream of getting an education. She teaches students who never expected to get a second chance at high school, let alone college. She teaches them that they can learn the basics they somehow missed year after year in the classroom. I have to go back

Andreas problem is English. Math is a breeze. Science, fine. But writing? She breaks out in a cold sweat. English, Andrea said. Thats the only thing that got to me. Somehow Andrea missed the fundamentals, like how to write stories with detailed paragraphs and introductions.

Some of the things I learn in here I didnt even learn in regular school, Andrea said. Now, at FOCUS Academy, she takes GED workbooks home to sharpen her skills. Shes very dedicated, very devoted, Mrs. Edwards said. Shes not missed but a day.

When Andrea quit school, she tried just working at McDonalds. But she said she couldnt escape the feeling that she was throwing her future away. Her mother, Renee Brice, suggested she meet with the FOCUS coordinator, Annette Thoms.

When she came to us, she said she wanted to go back to high school, but she wasnt really sure what she wanted to do, Ms. Thoms said. Then she came in and said, I have to go. Needing to go back and realizing that you have to back are two different things. Then a change occurred.

When she came in, she was really shy, real timid, but now she has this glow in her eyes, Mrs. Edwards said. Her self esteem has changed. Shes smiling. I really enjoy my teachers, Andrea said. I relate to my teachers.

Relating hasnt always been easy for Andrea, who grew up with four siblings and no father. The only time I hear from my Daddy is when hes in prison, and thats sad, Andrea said. My Mama, shes always put clothes on our back. She has to be momma and daddy.

The students choice

High school dropouts in Cleveland County used to slip through the cracks. They would get suspended and not come back. Clean out their locker after arguing with an administrator. Or simply vanish, drop off the roster. In the end, its the students choice. If a student who is 16 or older walks out of a high school, state law says they dont have to come back. But nothing prevents someone from calling up former students, or driving to their home, to ask them why they left. Thats just what Ms. Thoms and Dan McCabe have been doing for more than a year.

The two FOCUS coordinators get names of every student in Cleveland County who has dropped out of high school, and track them down. Their efforts are funded by a grant from the Workforce Investment Act. It requires going to some places they never knew existed and seeing conditions they didnt think were possible.

Ms. Thoms says some of the students she talks to have grown up in such poverty that they have never seen a paycheck, never handled cash, dont know what a bank is and have never been inside a grocery store.Not every student they talk to will go back to school.

Some are dealing with illnesses, abuse and other overwhelming situations. But there are some who want to go back, and have the means to do it. Ms. Thoms and McCabe are determined to find them. Thats how they found Josh, Andrea, and the other students who come to the FOCUS Academy.

FOCUS classes are small the first class last spring was six students. But of those six, all completed the 90-day program. Three now have their high school diploma, one is taking high school completion courses and one is back in regular high school, Mrs. Edwards said. They come to the academy to improve their skills and then earn credit for a high school diploma, Ms. Thoms said. Focus Academy is a real starting point for a lot of these kids. They already have some desire to finish school, but I dont think they have the roadmap to get there, Mrs. Edwards said. We look for students who really have a desire to complete their education.

FOCUS Academy even has school colors of orange and blue, a butterfly mascot, and a theme, Soaring to New Heights. I never did nothing right Josh said he left the house after he got in a fight with a stepparent. He now rooms with a friend. He attended Crest High for a while but then switched to home school so he could work. Before Josh left home, he was working three jobs Chick-Fil-A, Food Lion and cutting grass in addition to home school. I never did nothing right, so I left, he said.

Josh doesnt have any contact with his real mother. My real mom did drugs, Josh said. She wouldnt have nothing to do with me. Someday, Josh wants to get certified in electrical mechanics. He studies math and related subjects at Focus Academy from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. every day of the week. After that, he works on the floor at Cleveland Vocational Industries, packaging and shipping products.

All FOCUS students have the option of working at the school. Its a way for them to learn job skills and get some pocket change. Its easy to say, Dress this way, be on time, be punctual, but here, theyre actually doing it, Mrs. Edwards said. Only a few of them have had a job.

Cleveland Vocational Industries doesnt charge FOCUS instructors for the classroom space they use, and guarantees every FOCUS student a job. Students also get free lunches from Tops Pizza, Tastee-T, Golden Corral and Chick-Fil-A.

We brought about a change

In the classroom at FOCUS Academy, everyone gets the same treatment. A lot of them werent active socially in high school, Mrs. Edwards said. In here, there are no differences, you all come in and do the same thing. But there are differences in learning ability.

Some have trouble with capitalization and punctuation. Or they cant fill out or read an employment application. Others are above-average readers. We see kids who have tested anywhere from the second to eleventh grade, Mrs. Edwards said. I do seven different lesson plans, one for each student. There is one learning tool all of them enjoy: the daily newspaper.

They read The Star every day, Mrs. Edwards said. Before they started coming to this class they never read a newspaper. Now its like, Give me the newspaper. Most of the FOCUS students want to go into helping professions, like nursing or social work, Mrs. Edwards said. She tells them they can do it. My expectation of these students is to succeed, Mrs. Edwards said. Theres no alternative. You will succeed. After awhile, the students start to believe it. Were high school dropouts, Andrea said. But we brought about a change, to want to go back to school.