#NDEAM Spotlight: Meet Barb
In 1983, we unveiled the first license plate made at Macon Resources, Inc. (MRI) This was an incredibly historic day that forever changed the landscape for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. You can’t see the photo that well, but it’s hard to miss the smiles and pride on those we serve’s faces.
Almost 40 years later, we are proud to still be making all license plates for the State of Illinois. In fact, 60% of the work done in license plates is by individuals with developmental disabilities! So today, for our first National Disability Employment Awareness Month feature, we are proud to highlight a woman who has been here since that first plate was made in 1983. It’s the woman in the photo holding the “First One” license plate. Meet Barb!
Barb has worked at MRI since 1979. Over 40 years ago, she came to MRI’s Supportive Employment Program looking for assistance in finding a job. Throughout this process, Barb realized she would like to work at MRI, as she liked the types of jobs they had to offer. The Supportive Employment staff assisted her through the resume and application process and Barb was hired!
Barb started out working in license plates, but later wanted to try something different, so she joined our Janitorial department where she currently still works! Barb loves working at the rest areas. We asked her if she ever thought she might want to work somewhere else and she said “No! I love working at MRI and want to keep working here.” Barb went on to tell us that loves to work because it gives her something to do that she enjoys!
Other fun things we learned about Barb:
- If she could go anywhere on a vacation, she would go to Hawaii!
- She would love to learn how to cook fried chicken
- Her dream job would be to babysit kids
Want to learn more about MRI’s Supportive Employment Program? Click here!
