#NDEAM

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The theme for National Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2019 is "The Right Talent, Right Now," and the purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of employment for people with disabilities.

In the state of Missouri, less than 15% of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are competitively employed. However, individuals served by Boone County Family Resources have well above average stats. In 2017, 26% were competitively employed; in 2018, 27% were competitively employed; and in 2019, 29% are competitively employed.

On October 29, three Columbia businesses will be recognized by the Columbia Employment Consortium for their inclusive hiring practices. This year, the winners are Bonkers Columbia, Texas Roadhouse, and MU Healthcare. Senator Caleb Rowden will also present them with resolutions saluting their inclusive hiring practices. Other events celebrating NDEAM include a Walk & Roll-a-thon, hosted by People First of Boone County (see event details below).

We are fortunate to be part of a progressive, inclusive community that values diversity in the workplace. Happy NDEAM!

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Raising a Grandchild with Autism

Cornelia Hayes raised four boys into adulthood while working full time for 43 years – some stellar accomplishments and ones deserving of retiring to a life of relaxation and leisure. When you ask Cornelia if she has time to enjoy what retirement offers, she responds, “Very little! We don’t have many of those days.”

After retiring from a successful career at State Farm Insurance, she and her husband moved directly into the role of primary caregivers to their 5-year-old grandson Curtis, Jr., who was diagnosed at a young age with Autism Spectrum Disorder and requires specialized care and supervision.

Learn more about Cornelia and Curtis Jr.'s story by watching the video here, or reading her story here .

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Veterans United Foundation offers support to BCFR family

Hayden is a sweet 4-year-old boy born with a rare skin disease. He spends every day wrapped head-to-toe in special bandages to protect him from infection.

Thanks to the Veterans United Foundation and his BCFR support coordinator, Hayden's family will receive much needed support to provide daily care to Hayden in a sterile environment.

Read the full story, here.

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4th Annual Walk & Roll-A-Thon

October 19, 2019 - Stephens Lake Park

Come celebrate disability employment awareness month and get some exercise! This event is organized by People First of Boone County, a local grass-roots self-advocacy group for people with disabilities. A City Council member will read a proclamation by Columbia Mayor Brian Treece, naming October “Disability Employment Awareness Month in the City of Columbia”. There is no cost to participate and everyone is welcome!

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The Friends of BCFR Speaker Series

Building Financial Independence & Empowerment for Individuals with Disabilities

Join us for this free event at the Hickman High School Media room on Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and learn more about:

The benefits to MO ABLE Accounts
Saving and investing money without losing eligibility
Setting up a trust for myself or a loved one with a disability

And more. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

The Friends of Boone County Family Resources assists with needs of people with disabilities and their families and supports activities of Boone County Family Resources. Learn more about the activities of the Friends and how you can join here.

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Save the Date for the BCFR Holiday Party & Cookies with Santa

Save the date for the BCFR Holiday Party on Thursday, December 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. We look forward to seeing all of our wonderful BCFR families there for food, music, gifts, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!

The Cookies with Santa event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Broadway Christian Church. This event is for families with kids 10 and under and their siblings.

Thank you to the Columbia Elks Lodge #594 and The Friends of BCFR for their support on these events! If you or your business are interested in providing support or volunteers for these events, please contact Amy Parris.

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We're Hiring!

Join an agency who supports people with developmental disabilities in creating opportunities for a better life. We are looking for individuals who can reach out and enable people to become more independent, successful members of our community. We reward loyalty, productivity and teamwork.
Our positions offer a starting salary commensurate with education, responsibilities, and experience, and include an outstanding benefits package.

View available opportunities, click here.

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