wpi-kcp2019

Paul Celebrates 25 Years

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:54:34 GMT

This year UW-Biotechnology celebrated Paul's 25 years of service!

Paul Pierick and Liz Jesse in the UW Biotechnology Centers Outreach Lab.

"Laughter in Outreach - an appreciation of one of our UW Biotechnology Center's longest and committed employee"

Paul Pierick joined the UW Biotechnology Center (UWBC) 25 years ago. On February 2nd, 1999, Paul accepted a position in the Biotech's Outreach Program. Paul came with the skills and experience we desired, but his strength was his humor.

Paul's perspective on life carries him along effortlessly through his own hardship, sharing his infectious humor radiating positive vibes with a kind-hearted spirit. Paul takes such pride in his work at UWBC that brings purpose to his life! " There is life after accidents!" It will be thirty-two years this spring since Paul was hit by a car. Paul went on to share that he knows death after spending six weeks in a coma told he would never walk again. Paul beat those odds in spades. He walks and lives by himself with help from amazing people like Mattie Milz (Work Plus, Inc.) that give him "one more reason to get up in the morning." He worked the entire time he was interviewed on his invaluable role of preparing Outreach supplies for the K-12 students that visit our Outreach Lab that includes - DNA, soap, and wheat germ tubes. Paul wanted a few more tasks so Liz Jesse, UWBC Outreach Lead, and Tom Zinnen, UWBC Outreach Program Associate Director (retired), the talented tag team who shared the education outreach program, added in a recycling of lab supplies. Liz highlighted that she gets to enjoy Paul's curated music playlist as he works, which Paul obtained his appreciation of music being the second youngest of seven children. His older sister liked the Beatles and his enjoyment of Music branched out to included his favorites of: Richie Lee Johns, Mariah Carey, Steely Dan, Lucinda Williams, Melissa Etheridge, and Eric Clapton.

Paul shared that he recently went to Chicago with a friend for a short trip. My response, "that he certainly gets around," broke him out in song, "I get around - get around!" Paul appreciated my time with him although I received the gift. What a wonderful world if we strived to be like Paul!

Paul is a shining star in our midst. We love his humor that brings joy to us! Three stand-out qualities come to mind about Paul. First, is kindness - the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Next, resilience - the ability to not only overcome setbacks, but to move forward. Then patience reminding us to be patient with ourselves just as nothing in nature blooms all year is true with the uncertainty of life. What we decide is how we respond and sometimes going dormant is best until courage prevails and that is Paul's example.

"Paul continues to be an example of diligence and tenacity as he adapts to changes in his own abilities and as he sustains year after year his commitment to support the public outreach mission at the UW Biotechnology Center," stated Outreach Program Assistant Director, (retired) Tom Zinnen. It is true, Paul is a beacon of joy and happiness and brings that positive light to our Center, to our staff, and our visitors! I thanked Paul and he reminded me to "Make him a star! You don't have to - but you can!" He is our star!

Article courtesy of UW Biotechnology Center Newsletter

Meet Bradley

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 21:48:11 GMT

Let's look into how Bradley serves his community!

Bradley has been working for Agrecol Greenhouse for almost 2 years and is an essential part to their buisness. Agrecol provides customers with native seeds and plants from their nursery and greenhouses. He builds the plant trays prior to them being filled with soil for planting and he also places stickers on boxes to get them ready for shipping. Bradley's supervisor, Alyson, states that "Without Bradley we would struggle to meet our customer's plant needs."

Alyson also stated that "Bradley is a charismatic, hard working individual who takes pride in his work. He's here everyday with a huge smile and a hello to everyone."

Bradley has also been working for the Stoughton Area School District for almost 12 years. Bradley provides both the Stoughton Area School District Administration Building and the Bus Garage with general cleaning.

Bradley's coworkers', Jenny and Laura, shared some words about working with Bradley. "He makes ALL of us smile which is very good for all of us here!! Bradley is hard working, happy to see, and is VERY happy to be at his job."

Work Plus couldn't agree more! We are proud of all the work he does for his employers. Thank you Agrecol Greenhouse and the Stoughton Area School District for contributing to Bradley's success in the workforce.

Nelia an Essential Worker

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:26:50 GMT

Nelia is an essential worker that is working on the front lines during COVID-19!

Nelia started working at Pick N Save as a Utility Clerk just before the COVID-19 outbreak. Pick N Save has been providing essential goods to the members of her community throughout COVID-19. Nelia is an Essential Worker!

Nelia's job as a Utility Clerk is to provide the services of bagging of groceries, shop back, collecting carts, sanitizing carts, and providing customer service. Nelia's supervisor stated that "Individuals with special needs are amazing people with great attitudes and try very hard to do an amazing job for their employer!"

When asked how to describe Nelia as an employee her supervisor stated that Nelia arrives to work on time, is accepted as one of the team, and is enthusiastic about her position as well as contribution to Pick N Save.

All Essential Workers need to be recognized for their hard work! Thank you Nelia for all you do for your community!

Tim an Essential Worker

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:12:36 GMT

Tim is an essential worker that has been working throughout all of COVID-19!

Tim has been working for Pick N Save for 10 years as a Utility Clerk. Pick N Save has been providing essentials to members of the community throughout COVID-19. He is an Essential Worker !

Tim's job as a Utility Clerk is to provide bagging of groceries, shop back, collecting carts from the parking lot, sanitizing carts, and providing customer service. Tim's supervisor states that Tim is "more than capable of completing all utility clerk needs and more!"

When asked how to describe Tim as an employee his supervisor responded "Tim is very kind and compassionate, as well as being a joy to work with." Work Plus couldn't agree more.

All Essential Workers need to be recognized! Thank you Tim for all you do for your community.

COVID-19 Protocol

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 18:57:19 GMT

Work Plus, Inc

2318 Vondron Road

Madison, WI 53718

www.workplus.org

608-238-6018

June 12, 2020

Work Plus, Inc has been open on a limited capacity over the past three months during COVID-19. Dedicated staff have continued to provide in person on site community support and have continued to be creative and flexible in meeting client needs. We are slowly expanding services as communities and businesses reopen under county and state guidelines.

Work Plus understands that there are continued risks, and we will remain vigilant as we move forward in the weeks ahead in continuing to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19. As we continue to increase service levels, please understand that things will look different.

Changes in protocol to our office will include but not be limited to temperature tracking and basic screening of all staff, clients and visitors. Work Plus will continue to follow CDC, State and local guidelines as related to best practices. These include social distancing, wearing masks, hand washing, sanitizing, and staying or going home when signs of COVID are presented.

All transition of services is a coordinated approach between our clients, support staff, community team members and employers. Work Plus has reached out to all clients and will continue that outreach as we determine transition plans. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your Case Managers.

We look forward to seeing everyone. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time.

Take care and stay well,

Kathleen Schoepp

Executive Director

Work Plus, Inc

COVID-19 Updates

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:40:37 GMT

A letter from the Executive Director

March 23, 2020

RE: Coronavirus (COVID – 19) planning precautions.

Hello,

I wanted to send an update to all the individuals we support, families, friends, employees, business and community partners about how Work Plus, Inc is responding to the public health emergency we are facing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Wisconsin stay at home mandate. This is an ever-changing time, and we continue to roll to the best or our ability. To all our staff and everyone we work with, thank you for continuing to support each other during this challenging time.

You may have seen the Governor Evers has mandated the close of non-essential businesses, and we that we should shelter in place beginning Tuesday March 24, 2020. Many of the business’ individuals are employed in fall under the non-essential business category, we are now in the situation of needing to temporarily cancel most or our remaining services and sites.

Services that we will continue to provide include Community Supported Living to those individuals we currently support. Some emergency coverage of individuals in their homes who have no family or providers available during the day, and some coaching supports for individuals working in essential businesses. We are prioritizing supports based on level of need. We will continue to provide these services in a limited capacity if we have staff available.

Please know and understand that we are monitoring the situation and that our plan will continue to be updated and communicated as new recommendations and developments occur.

The Work Plus Office will be closed until the Stay at Home mandate is lifted. Phone calls will be forwarded out with someone from Work Plus responding as they are available. If a medical or safety emergency, please call 911. Emails will be followed up on as staff are available.

I truly appreciate everyone’s flexibility, as we would not be able to provide any assistance to the individuals, we support without it. Please call our office at 608-238-6018 to leave a message. If you need to reach me directly, my email is kschoepp@workplus.org.

Please reach out with any questions.

I have attached some links for your information, as these are websites that will continuously be updated.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm

Please feel free to contact me directly at 608-238-6018 or kschoepp@workplus.org with any questions or concerns.

My wish for all is that you stay healthy. Please take care.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Schoepp

Executive Director

Work Plus, Inc

Paul Celebrates 20 Years

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 17:16:29 GMT

This year UW-BioTrek celebrated Paul's 20 years of service!

BioTrek is the science outreach program of the UW Biotechnology Center. Their mission is "sharing science with Wisconsin" and they do so by offering field trips, workshops and tours to students and teachers, community clubs, after school groups and more.

Paul's job at the lab is to prep DNA samples, wheat germ and other supplies to be used for educational experiments during the tours and workshops. Paul's supervisor and leader of BioTrek, Tom Zinnen, stated "Half of what we do depends on what Paul creates for us".

Every week Paul assembles 100+ tubes of herring DNA for groups to use in their experiments. The process also involves the use of wheat germ and dish soap which need to be carefully measured out and prepped. Paul makes sure that all of these items are ready for the groups so that they can have the best experience possible. When I asked Paul what is favorite part of the job was, he responded "The kids eyes just light up when they are in here and it feels good to see another person so happy".

Paul's supervisors, Tom and Liz, rave about his hard work and great attitude. Liz stated that what she appreciated most about Paul is "his flexibility and dedication".

Work Plus couldn't agree more! We are so proud of Paul's achievement are happy to see him thriving. Thank you BioTrek, for this 20 year collaboration that has helped Paul to succeed in the workforce.

Photos courtesy of: Kuffel Photography