Opportunity Development Center Celebrates Annual Awards Dinner
submitted by ODC, Inc.
Perseverance. Courage. Hope. Faith.
These are words used to characterize each of Opportunity Development Center’s 2016 Personal Achievement Award recipients, who were honored at the non-profit organization’s annual awards dinner on December 8th.
For over 50 years, Opportunity Development Centers (ODC) has empowered people with disabilities achieve their goals, helping them to get a job, keep a job, and contribute to their communities in both work and life. Each year, three Personal Achievement Award recipients are chosen from the over 500 individuals served by the agency annually.
“ODC has created a ‘formula’ for achievement,” said Pam Ross, ODC President, “that includes opportunity, support and personal effort. ODC can provide the opportunity and support, but personal effort is the key, and the reason that these award recipients were selected.”
“All of the recipients have accepted the challenges they face,” said Ross, “and pushed forward with a ‘try and try again’ attitude. They have added so much value to their families, their circle of friendships, their places of employment and their communities.”
“What can I do next?” are words often spoken by Ben Tauschek, ODC’s Marshfield Area
Personal Achievement Award recipient. They are frequently heard by Tauschek’s employers, Jill and Phil Hiller of Hillers True Value in Marshfield, where Tauschek has worked for 20 years. Since the day he started, he has insisted that he would be working there for “100 years”.
According to the Hillers, Tauschek always goes above and beyond expectations despite several barriers related to his disability.
“As far as overcoming his challenges, we don’t even worry about challenges anymore,” said Phil Hiller. “Ben is our family, and we’ll have him with us for another 80 years.”
Tauschek also volunteers at St. John’s Catholic Church and the Marshfield Public Library, where Rob Schultz, Circulation Services Supervisor, supervises his activities. According to Schultz, Tauschek donated his time just about every day as the library moved to its new location.
“It means a lot to see people like Ben who show appreciation of the library with the valuable gifts of time and work,” said Schultz. “Ben is a valuable member of the Marshfield community.”
Trista Wolff received ODC’s Northwoods Area Personal Achievement Award. According to Sandy Ewan, ODC Employment Coordinator, Wolff had a “deep-down determination” to have a better life, despite her challenges.
Wolff now works at the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce, where her co-workers have stepped forward and given her the support she needed. Sh
e also volunteers at Haven, Inc., a domestic violence shelter.
“She is the perfect example,” said Ewan, “of what can be achieved with opportunity, support and the desire to succeed.”
Jeff Micke, ODC’s Wisconsin Rapids Area Personal Achievement Award recipient, is a very humble man. When told that he was a recipient of the award, his response was one of disbelief.
“Really?” he said.
When Micke began his work skills training at ODC’s Wisconsin Rapids facility, he had just begun his recovery from a disability that had gotten in his way for 10 years. But with the encouragement and support of ODC staff, his strong work ethic has been re-ignited. He has regained his confidence, and there has been no stopping him since.
“Witnessing Jeff’s transformation has been a true gift to those who support him,” said Mary Nennig of Wood County Human Services, who nominated Micke for the award. “When we think of ODC’s mission, we think of Jeff… he has truly been empowered to achieve his work and life goals.”
