HARD WORK, CONCERN MAKES VIP INDUSTRIES A SUCCESS

A little over 25 years ago, few services existed for the disabled. Most simply lived at home with few outside activities. Several local parents of these children came together in frustration. But instead of throwing up their hands in despair, they united and worked hard to create opportunities for their special needs children. Because of their efforts, there are increased educational and job opportunities for mentally handicapped people today in the form of VIP Industries.

When VIP Industries first opened its doors in October 1968, it provided jobs to 17 handicapped individuals on a budget of $14,000. It has grown into a multi-million dollar operation -- in fact the largest sheltered workshop in Missouri. Today, it employs 350 handicapped workers and a staff of 60.

In addition to a main plant in Cape Girardeau, along Highway 74, satellite facilities operate in Fruitland, Perryville and Marble Hill.

Its success is directly linked to the hard work and dedication of parents and community residents. Heading the list is Hilary Schmittzehe, one of the workshop's founders and executive director for many years. He has a personal interest in the project -- his daughter Cindy has cerebral palsy.

VIP provides work for those who can't function in a competitive business. Work provides employees with not only income but a sense of personal worth. Employees complete contract work on magazines, coat and dress hangers, comic books, subscriptions for cookbooks and health books and many other packaging projects.

Between 55 and 60 percent of VIP's budget comes from production income. Other sources include a variety of grants, generous benefactors, and a 10-cent per $100 of assessed valuation tax, which was first levied in Cape Girardeau County in 1975.

But the operation extends much farther than work alone. Under the VIP umbrella, the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) provides recreation, residential living, social services, emergency food and shelter, help with entitlement programs and health screenings. In addition, Heartland Industries provides employment for sheltered work graduates; and Regency Management provides semi-independent and independent apartment living, case management, residential living skills, community resource and integration skills.

In other words, VIP Industries coordinates a full complement of activities for mentally handicapped individuals to pursue well-rounded and productive lives. Since 1980, VIP has provided a recreation program for workers with outings ranging from dancing to Special Olympics to mini-vacations. Above all, VIP officials have worked tirelessly as advocates for the handicapped. Schmittzehe says they look to provide care from the cradle to grave.

VIP Industries is a model program for the state and nation. It illustrates the fact good intentions can translate into a productive and effective program.

The parents of mentally retarded children well understand the challenges of raising these special children. But, thanks to a dedicated group of parents more than 25 years ago, the task can be much more rewarding today.

In addition to providing work and social opportunities, VIP Industries has done much to educate the public about the needs and spirit of these very important people.

We congratulate VIP Industries on reaching this important milestone, and wish the business and its workers many productive and successful years ahead.