Page 39 - Abilene Living

A lot of them, the parents aren’t elderly they just recognize that particular child has needs that they can’t meet at home.” The need for a smile, hug, or high fve is always satisfed at Disability Resources. Their mission remains to assist developmentally disabled individuals achieve their full potential in a Christian environment. This is achieved through their supervised vocational training program and programs at their new on-site activities center. They have seven living facilities in Abilene, but also have a day program for those participating in the vocational training.

Training ranges from light assembly work, food service and food manufacturing, to janitorial services. In the DRI vocational building, they package and produce many products sold in the Big Country and beyond through the store on their website. Items include their own branded products “Down Right Incredible” barbeque sauces and salsa.

“I think what makes ours so different is all of our products are cooked prior to and then put in the jar,” explained Jo Ann Wilson, DRI Director of Development, Marketing, Special Events, & Volunteers. “And that’s why it tastes better. We sauté the garlic and all the chilies and cook them in the vats and put it in the jar. Normally, with a manufacturer on a conveyor line, they fll the jars up and cook in the jar.”

Residency in one of the DRI homes and the vocational training does come at a fee, but the individuals in the vocational training are paid minimum wage for all labor spent on