Like many local businesses, Covington Box & Packaging has faced workforce shortages. But with the help of an Easterseals supported work group from Easterseals Northeast Indiana, the company has found a reliable and motivated team of workers.
Since September 2021, teams from the Easterseals supported work group have worked at Covington Box’s Waterloo facility. These individuals, supported by staff from Easterseals Northeast Indiana, are helping the company fulfill an ongoing stream of orders while gaining valuable work experience.
Building Confidence and Earning a Paycheck
Each weekday, four participants from the Easterseals supported work group work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a lunch break included. On her first day, Ashley—one of the group members—was pleasantly surprised when bags of popcorn were passed around as part of the company’s Friday tradition.
“They had you at popcorn,” joked Larry Geans, an Easterseals Northeast Indiana supervisor who works alongside the group.
Ashley laughed but quickly focused on what mattered most to her—earning a paycheck. When Larry explained how much she might make from her part-time work, she exclaimed, “Are you for real?”
“Yes,” he assured her.
This type of reaction is common among supported work group members, who often gain a new sense of pride, financial independence, and belonging through meaningful employment.
A Pathway to Permanent Employment
While participants gain experience, Covington Box benefits from dedicated, trainable workers. According to company President Tony Fifer, it’s a win-win—and there’s potential for more.
“If they’re comfortable in this culture and this environment, and a job is something they can perform, I would be interested in hiring them,” Fifer said. “My hope, and I know I speak for my supervisors on this, is that we can hire a few of them.”
That’s already been the case with employees like Kenny and Phil, both of whom came through Easterseals Northeast Indiana programs and have now worked at Covington Box for nearly two decades.
A Strong Partnership with Easterseals Northeast Indiana
This partnership is one of the most integrated Easterseals supported work group placements in the region. The teams not only gain job skills, but also build relationships, communication skills, and confidence.
“Having the partnership with Easterseals has really helped us,” Fifer said.
“It helps them contribute,” added Suzanne Vertigan, workforce development supervisor at Easterseals Northeast Indiana. “It gives them a sense of worth. … Earning money for the work that you do then translates into buying things and being more self-sufficient. People who are employed have meaningful relationships. They have a sense of purpose. It fosters independence. It fosters increased communication and friendships.”
Creating Inclusive Workplaces
Supervisors like Larry Geans credit the success of this Easterseals supported work group to both the dedication of the workers and the welcoming environment at Covington Box.
“The people here are great,” he said. “They make it easier for our team to adjust and thrive.”
Fifer agrees, emphasizing that inclusion benefits everyone.
“Our longtime employees don’t look at them as being any different than themselves,” he said. “You’ve got to be open-minded and give them an opportunity.”
Through partnerships like this one, Easterseals Northeast Indiana is helping businesses build stronger teams—and helping people with disabilities build brighter futures.