SUMMER 2009 EDITION
COMMUNITY»
Disabled fearful of losing their outlets — jobs more than jobs
Kelsie Richerson/MUJW
Amanda Pirtle has been employed by Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises for two years. Pirtle's hours were recently reduced from five days a week to three. CMSE has layed off four employees in 2009 because of the slowed economy.
COLUMBIA — Amanda Pirtle is afraid.
Having had her hours cut, the Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises employee is fearful she could lose her job in the current economic downturn.
“I can’t work on Fridays and Thursdays, you know, because of the way things are,” said Pirtle, who has a learning disability.
For the Columbia resident, this is much more than a job.
“I use this as an outlet,” she said. “It pays minimum wage, but it’s worth it.”
Pirtle is one of 130 employees with a disability at Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises. The company provides Missourians with disabilities employment and vocational training, with the goal of helping them achieve and maintain a more mainstream life.
Executive Director Bruce Young said he thinks the jobs are a form of therapy for his employees. For some, it is their only outlet to “feel like they belong,” he said.
But the recession might mean fewer opportunities like this for many with disabilities. Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises is partially state funded and relies on private contracting companies for business.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 37 percent of people with disabilities who are eligible to work are employed. In Missouri, 13.2 percent are employed.
So far, Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises hasn't had to lay off any employees with disabilities. But the company laid off three staff members and one office assistant.
“I am sure they don’t want to lay us off,” Pirtle said.
She’s right. Young’s goal is keep them employed for their well-being.
“We are trying our best not to lay off our disabled workers,” he said. “Their conditions will usually take a turn for the worse.”
Young said that when some former employees with disabilities moved to adult care centers, some fell out of touch with society.
“This can sometimes greatly disturb them,” he said.
This was especially true because some were on a waiting list to get hired at Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises since their sophomore year in high school. There are 30 applicants on the waiting list.
“As of right now, I just can’t give them work,” Young said. “I hate to send them away, but I hardly have hours to give to my current employees.”
He said that less than 20 percent of the company's funding comes from the state Health Department. Eighty percent of the funding comes from the work contracted out to the employees, and the economy has affected the companies they subcontract for.
“It’s hard for everyone right now,” Young said.