Office of human development program provides services

The Office of Human Development in Sidney has been servicing the community since 2012 with the Panhandle Employment Connections program.

The Panhandle Employment Connections program is a vocational branch of the Office of Human Development that gives individual's with social, speech, sensory or emotional developmental delays.

The goal of the agency is to help make individuals' dreams become a reality by matching their skills with the needs of local businesses. The program continually forms business partnerships to meet both employer and potential employee needs.

Robin McCoy, an employment consultant for the Office of Human Development, trains participating individuals who have developmental delays by providing job skills and experience at one of the 10 participating local businesses.

"We have 11 individuals who are out working in the community," McCoy said. "It's very rewarding for me as well as the group. It also helps to enlighten the community and remind us that everyone here is a part of the community, we all have differences whether you can you see them or not"

The businesses will provide time to guide the individual and teach them the skills they need to thrive in the working world. Mccoy said the jobs are similar to apprenticeships or internships.

Brenda Kirkpatrick has participated in the program for the last two years. With the help of Mary Suit and Diana Larson at "Enduring Stitches" in downtown Sidney, Kirkpatrick has been able to enhance her passion for cross stitching and sewing while gaining valuable job skills and independence.

According to McCoy, Kirkpatrick goes to "Enduring Stitches" once a week and is mentored by Suit and Larson. During Kirkpatrick's time at the business, she makes baby quilts, wall hangings and holiday items.

Suit and Larson agreed that Kirkpatrick has come a long way with her quilting and skills.

Kirkpatrick not only has their encouragement, but also the quilting community's. Supplies, fabric, materials and a sewing machine have been donated to Kirkpatrick since her journey at "Enduring Stitches."

"My job is to build bridges in the community so our local businesses can gain knowledge and not be afraid of working with individuals that learn differently," McCoy said. "I feel like it's because of lack of knowledge that people shy away from people who are different because they don't understand that particular individual's needs. I want to make those relational connections within the community for the individuals who venture out."

Kirkpatrick has also gained the support of Dave Doty , who drives the Sidney Handibus.

"Diana and Mary are the ones who encouraged Brenda to start taking the bus downtown each week," McCoy said. "Dave, worked so beautifully with Brenda. We started riding it together, but then I started stepping back. My goal was to be able to show her that she can do it on her own and give her that confidence. He's really just been another support system in helping Brenda grow."

Kirkpatrick has the opportunity to display and sell her quilts at this year's Oktoberfest celebration at the Sidney Fairgrounds.