October 2000

Working to Live on Her Own While Living with a Disability

She was abandoned twice in her first weeks of life; given up by her birth mother she was then taken to a state mental hospital at the age of three-months by her surrogate parents. That is where Shirley, diagnosed with mental retardation, would spend the next 41 years of her life—unwanted and trapped within a cold and hopeless environment.

A glimmer of hope and independence arose in 1979 as Shirley was moved from the state hospital and placed into various group homes. Free from the constraints of her previous way of life she soon began attending a work service program through KETCH, a United Way-funded agency.

Shirley spent the next number of years working at the KETCH workshop, a created environment where people with disabilities are employed to learn important job skills. KETCH also provided a case manager to help Shirley receive all the support and services necessary that would help her make the transition into community employment and living.

Helping People Live and Work

"At KETCH, our goal is to help individuals with disabilities get along socially, learn job skills and work and live out in the community," says Kathy Schwinghammer, service coordinator at KETCH and Shirley’s case manager. "Shirley wants the same thing that you and I want, and we strive to help her achieve those goals."

Shirley wanted more independence and freedom. However, she still had many hurdles to overcome to reach her goal of community employment and independent living.

Shirley was determined to gain her independence. She moved to KETCH’s community living services program in 1995 and shortly thereafter to their supported living services, but she was still having trouble finding employment. So KETCH worked in conjunction with a vocational rehabilitation service and provided a job coach to help with on-the-job training and communication between Shirley and her employer.

Living Her Dream

Although it took some time and a lot of determination, Shirley realized her dream of community employment. Pizza Hut hired Shirley after her first day because they were so impressed—not even waiting for the two-week training period allotted them.

Today, at 62, Shirley has moved to KETCH’s Country Acres apartments, a semi-independent living center, and continues to work at Pizza Hut three days a week. In 1999, Shirley received the KETCH Achievement at Work award because of her progress at work and in the community.

Vada Sifferd, Shirley’s conservator for the past 11 years and perhaps her closest friend, says that she never thought that Shirley would come this far. "It just pulls at my heartstrings that Shirley has basically been alone in this world since birth," Sifferd says. "She’s come a long way, and without the right help she probably wouldn’t be where she is today."

Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is helping our community.