Alphapointe

From all of us at Alphapointe, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

In this special holiday edition of Foresight, hear directly from a few Alphapointe clients and staff as they share their Thanksgiving thoughts, reflect on what they’re most grateful for, and offer heartfelt messages for the season. [Image description: This is a video series featuring on camera conversations with a number of people.]

Did you know people who are blind or visually impaired face unemployment rates that range between 50 and 70 percent? It's not a lack of ability or desire. It's a lack of opportunity. But as a workforce development program, what we know - what we've witnessed in over 100 years of being mission focused - is that a workforce of people with vision loss is capable, dedicated, talented, and ready to give 110 percent. Every. Day. That's why we'll continue to focus on serving people who are blind and visually impaired. And we hope you'll join us. Think about hiring someone with vision loss. Spread the word. Volunteer. Be a part of helping us change the way the world sees blindness. Because we don't see impossible. Only possibility. If you're ready to hire some incredible talent and help us change the way the world sees blindness, visit this URL learn more: https://lnkd.in/g-tdR7hj #workforcedevelopment #blindjobs [Image description: Mary is in the Office Products Division and is smiling at the camera.]

Precision. Innovation. Quality. The products we make meet tough standards … and provide opportunities to those with vision loss. Currently we have partnerships with federal agencies and private companies producing pharmaceutical bottles of many different sizes. All being manufactured and delivered quickly and cost-effectively. With decades of experience in this particular vertical, our team has the skill, equipment, and wherewithal to meet changing – and challenging - supply chain demands without disruption. And as supply chains continue to evolve, Alphapointe’s diversified production capabilities and centrally located Midwest facility give us a major edge, allowing us to move products quickly, reliably, and efficiently in every direction across the country. It’s just one more way we’re strengthening our partners’ supply chains while staying true to our mission: delivering exceptional quality and creating meaningful opportunities for people with vision loss. Learn more about what we're up to at: https://lnkd.in/gDtwasvK [Image description: Orange plastic pharmaceutical bottles are being placed on the production line by automated machinery.]

Oftentimes, as people begin to lose their vision, the subject of work is one of the first topics of concern. They want to know how they’ll find work and support themselves and their families. That’s why many people seek services at Alphapointe. They want to hone their skills with the ultimate goal of finding gainful employment again. It’s also where our Job Placement Specialist, Martin Callen, steps in. Once they’ve completed training, our clients work closely with Martin on crafting a resume, practicing interviews, and looking for the right fit for the skills and aspirations they have. Martin assisted with placing former Alphapointe client, David Alexander, in a job with Chuck Wurth at the Troost39 Thrift Store. “When we hired David, we didn’t worry about what he couldn’t do and focused on what he could do,” says Chuck, co-owner of the store. “We don’t give him busy work. He works in one of the most crucial parts of our business. He loves to work, works very hard and does a great job.” Through our job placement efforts – and with the help of community partners like Chuck – people with vision loss, like David, are able to find fulfillment and success. “I love being able to show my abilities and that I am still capable in the work force,” says David. “Being able to still provide for my grandchildren and take care of them is the joy that keeps me going.” David and so many other people who are blind and visually impaired are out there getting it done. And helping change the way the world sees blindness. If your company has positions that need to be filled, consider reaching out to Alphapointe to see if we can help you. Use this link to learn more about Alphapointe's Job Placement Program: http://bit.ly/3KgYpFJ {Image descriptions: 1. David is seated in his work areas. He is smiling at the camera; 2. Chuck is in the Troost39 Thrift Store and is smiling at the camera.]

Every day we work to demonstrate through our products, our services, and our advocacy that possibility is bigger than limitation. You can see it in the wide range of products and services our team creates and supports: from thoughtfully designed tactical medical tools and essential office products to quality pharmaceutical bottles and contract-closeout services that help organizations recover significant resources. No matter the task, our team brings skill, commitment, and heart to the job. And the impact shows. Learn more about Alphapointe at Alphapointe.org. [Image description: Thomas (right) and Daniel, are helping package prescription bottles in our Plastics Department.]

Romia (pronounced Row Me) is a part of the Alphapointe Office Products Department where - daily - he proves that living with vision loss is not an obstacle to having meaningful employment. Or living with purpose. In this short video, he's got some words of encouragement to share with others with living with vision loss. [Image description: The thumbnail image is of Romia smiling at the camera while holding dumbbells up by his shoulders. In the video, he's on camera in the Alphapointe weight room.]

What's it take to lead in innovation, diversity, opportunity ... and sewing? Through our new sewing division in Kansas City, alongside our subsidiary Rightfully Sewn, we’re creating employment for people with vision loss and others facing barriers to work. These jobs empower people - our people - to buy homes, build families, and contribute to their communities. At Alphapointe, we see potential. And we are working to find new ways to help those we serve reach it. That means expanding sewing in Kansas City beyond what we're currently doing, which will put more people who are blind and visually impaired to work - the first place in KC to employ those with vision loss in the art and craft of sewing. Alongside Rightfully Sewn, we're removing barriers and building a way forward for people who need it. [Image description: One of our team members at Rightfully Sewn is standing up and looking at the camera. To her left is a sewing machine and in her hands are camouflage pants she is working on for the military.] #empowered #workforcedevelopment #jobs #work

Today is Veteran’s Day, and we want to recognize the men and women who have dedicated their time and energy to serve. One of those veterans is Chris Kosiorek, our Director of Research & Development as part of our Tactical & Medical Division. His military service and contributions to Alphapointe are highlighted in a recent Kansas City Business Journal article, which you can read at this link: https://bit.ly/4qTnoQs We extend our appreciation to Chris, to the other veterans on our team, and to all who have served. #veteransday #military #army [Image description: Chris is looking at the camera and smiling. He is wearing a sport coat and a tie.]

Did you know… Alphapointe has its own tactical medical division? Staffed by former military personnel and first responders, our team understands firsthand just how critical the right gear is when the clock is ticking. One of our key innovations is the Alpha-I Bandage, a one-handed compression bandage designed to perform under virtually any condition. Its mission is twofold: save lives and create meaningful employment for people who are blind and visually impaired. Like every product we make, the Alpha-I is built with purpose. And that purpose is to serve. Learn more about our tactical medical products at: https://alphatactical.com/