QUEST, Inc. Mission Statement:

"QUEST Inc. is dedicated to providing vocational and life skills, which empower people with disabilities and other vocational disadvantages to achieve a quality of life of their individual choosing."

About QUEST, Inc.

QUEST, Inc. has its roots in the movements of the 1950’s. It was a time in which facilities and programs flourished in communities in an effort to respond to populations of people that were deprived of educational, vocational, social and community opportunities because they did not fit the existing systems. Initially the agent was incorporated under the name of the Lebanon County Workshop, Inc. As time passed and thinking and findings in the field of vocational rehabilitation changed, the agency changed, as well . In the process of these changes the focus moved from that of a " sheltered workshop" to that of a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation agency. In 1995 our name was changed to QUality Employment Services and Training, Inc. or QUEST, Inc., which was in keeping with the emerging programs and services being offered by the agency.

Today, QUEST offers options for people with disabilities that include specialized occupational training, extended work in the industrial training facility, job placement, employment services, and expanded community integration opportunities. With over fifty years of providing Community Benefit, vocational rehabilitation training and work experiences, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, QUEST, has become a major provider of vocational programs and services for the residents of Lebanon County and surrounding areas. As a Community Benefit agency, QUEST Inc., is a member agency of the United Way of Lebanon County, Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and the Community of Lebanon Association.

Services Expand and Diversify Amidst Challenging Times

Mike Barnhart- Employment Coordinator

Twelve months ago as I set about submitting the annual report for the employment and habilitation services programs, it was in the midst of unprecedented times for service providers as agencies strove to meet the challenges of providing services in the midst of a global pandemic. The usual challenges of manpower and resources were intensified as systemic mandates for service models were radically altered to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our clientele while still trying to provide guidance, direction and safety to our vital direct support professionals who willingly and ably committed to providing the best services possible to our clients in work and living environments never before seen in the human services field. It was a time for reflection for what QUEST has accomplished as a service provider for decades while at the same time needing to be innovative, creative and flexible in adapting to the current sometimes dire circumstances in order to continue and even survive as an agency while many agencies struggled to provide services and even keep the doors open for business.

Now twelve months later I have similar pause not only for reflection of what QUEST has accomplished but to celebrate the enduring spirit of hope exhibited by clients who chose to continue working as essential contributors to the local workforce amid closures and shutdowns and the staff who committed to support them in the pre-vaccination world. In some cases, virtual supports were supplied via texts, FaceTime and Zoom while in most instances face-to-face services continued in the workplace as QUEST staff worked with local employers to maintain support to our clients while adhering to all health and safety guidelines during uncertain times. Likewise, habilitation and companion services continued in homes and the community during a time when traditional services models were interrupted or discontinued by some agencies. In diversifying our approach to providing services, QUEST expanded its client base, continued with job placements with our established community business partners and even developed new partnerships in the community. Requests for services continue to increase as things in our world continue to open back up and we forge ahead in our commitment to lead the way in improving the quality of life for all of our clients.

Though we don’t know how things will look in our world in another twelve months, the ongoing commitment by QUEST to be a model for service providers will remain along with the dedication of our staff to be a ray of hope for our clients and our community. My sincere thanks to all my staff who are the most valuable asset we have in fulfilling our mission. You continue to be essential and irreplaceable at QUEST and in our community.

2019 PAR AWARDS

HERSHEY ENTERTAINMENT & RESORTS HONORED AS

COMMUNITY EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Company Honored for Embracing Employees with Intellectual Disability by PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability)

Harrisburg, PA (October 21, 2019) - Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is being honored with the Central Region Community Employer of the Year award by PAR, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s leading disability provider and advocacy association for people with autism and intellectual disability, in recognition of its efforts to hire and provide outstanding support to employees with disabilities. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts will receive its award at the PAR Annual Solutions Conference “We Are Worth It.” Awards Ceremony on October 21 in Harrisburg. One of the largest employers in Central Pennsylvania, Hersheypark is the centerpiece of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. Hersheypark has an established record of hiring individuals with disabilities and making accommodations that promote each employee as a valued and contributing member of their diverse workforce. Job coaches and employment support staff are always welcome throughout the hiring process, and accommodations are offered during the online application and in-person interviews to ensure each applicant is given full and equal opportunity to become part of the Hershey team.

Each department has been very accommodating with schedules to maximize each person’s transportation situation, skill sets, stamina and abilities. Throughout the Park, individuals with disabilities can be seen integrated in the working environment. Supervisors and schedulers work with the employment staff from various provider agencies to maximize the chance for individuals with disabilities to succeed at their job and be valuable contributors at Hersheypark.

“Including people with disabilities in a company’s workforce makes good business sense, and Hersheypark is a perfect example of this,” says Mark Davis, PAR President and CEO. “We are thankful for Hersheypark’s fantastic efforts in hiring people with intellectual disability or autism and providing them with the support they need to thrive and contribute.”

RYAN SPOTTS TO BE PRESENTED SELF ADVOCATE

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Self Advocate and Excellent Employee Honored by PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability)

Harrisburg, PA (October 21, 2019)—Ryan Spotts, a self advocate supported by QUEST, Inc., has been selected as the Self Advocate Employee of the Year for Pennsylvania’s Northeast Region by PAR, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s leading disability provider and advocacy association for people with autism and intellectual disability. Spotts will receive his award at the PAR Annual Solutions Conference “We Are Worth It.” Awards Ceremony on October 21 in Harrisburg.

Ryan started working at the Jonestown location of Ingram Micro in August 2017. Ryan initially started out as a warehouse associate supervising the conveyor belts that route packages, but when technology upgrades phased out the position, Ryan quickly acclimated to learning new tasks.

Today, Ryan serves as a lead box maker and works in conjunction with numerous area supervisors to ensure the facility has the proper supplies and materials needed to keep production and shipping running smoothly. Ryan independently sets up the box making machines, gathers needed supplies and materials and consistently meets production quotas and transfers finished products to various departments. Ryan has a good working relationship with his supervisors and effectively communicates daily departmental activities, often working alongside new employees and assists with training and mentoring new workers.

Ryan’s success in this position has opened the door for other individuals with disabilities to obtain employment at Ingram Micro earning well above minimum wage. More than a dozen individuals with disabilities have now been given the opportunity to work at Ingram Micro, and Ryan’s initial success played a key role for others to obtain these opportunities.

“Ryan is truly a role model at work and in his community, and I’m so proud of what he’s accomplished,” said Mark Davis, President and CEO of PAR. “He is a great example of many other Pennsylvanians with intellectual disability or autism contributing in their communities.”

When Ryan is not working, he is an active member of his community. He is a volunteer firefighter at the Rescue Hose Company #4 in Lebanon, shows his skills with Special Olympics basketball and serves as an assistant coach for the Lebanon High boys’ varsity basketball team.

Employment 1st
Take Charge of Your Life- CHOOSE WORK

Everyone can work and there is a real job for everyone. A real job is one with real wages, benefits, side-by-side and with co-workers without disabilities.

Not working should be the exception. All individuals, schools, families and businesses must raise their expectations.

People will be hired because of their ability not because they have a disability.

Communities embrace people who contribute.

Everyone has something to contribute and needs to contribute. Having a real job and real wages helps people have a lifestyle with value, choice and empowerment.

Real jobs should be the first priority and preferred outcome for people with disabilities. We will be creative and tenacious in providing support.

Employment is a win/win for everybody!