Life & Work Connections

Confidence to Grow By

May 3, 2012

         For many individuals, the transition from high school to work is challenging but don’t tell Zachary Thomas. He makes it look easy.       The 19-year-old Rock Bridge High School senior will be graduating at the end of May. Yet even before he dons his cap and gown, he has reached many goals, including landing [...]

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Miss Congeniality

April 4, 2012

First thing you’ll notice about Stacy is her smile. Next, you’ll probably hear her infectious laugh; and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to know her irresistible personality. It’s no surprise that residents at the retirement community where the 29-year-old works as a dietician aid adore her. Stacy is downright fun. “It’s her bubbly personality that [...]

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Spreading Her Wings

March 8, 2012

You could say Allison is something of a Dr. Doolittle. After all, “Animals like me,” she readily admits. But the 23-year-old is awfully popular with people, too, just ask her supervisor at Boone County Family Resources, where she is receiving life skills and vocational training through the agency’s Life and Work Connections program. The idea [...]

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A Special Recognition

January 23, 2012

A year ago members of the Arc of Missouri piled 5,000 shoes onto the floor of the State Capitol rotunda to represent the number of people with developmental disabilities waiting for state services. What a difference a year makes.         Last week, members of the advocacy group honored Gov. Jay Nixon for his support of the [...]

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Tom’s Triumph

December 1, 2011

Tom has worked hard for his independence. When he was hired for a full-time job with benefits, Tom realized the advantages of participating in BCFR’s Life & Work Connections program. Tom had been meeting regularly with a Community Skills Specialist Martha Echols, at BCFR, who worked behind the scenes to support his success. A resident [...]

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Norma’s Story

December 1, 2011

Every Monday through Friday, Norma Anderson oversees the “cat room” at the Central Missouri Humane Society. Sometimes she cleans cages. Other times she refills food bowls and makes sure the felines have plenty of water, especially on hot summer days. But best of all, Norma cuddles kittens; every now and then a curious cat springs [...]

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Kara Moves Ahead

December 1, 2011

When Kara landed a job this summer at Hy-Vee, she knew her hard work on BCFR’s Life & Work Connections landscape crew had paid off. Her milestone was cause for celebration, as Kara, her colleagues on the crew and other staff took a few moments to mark her achievement. Kara is among more than a [...]

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