Training for Success

H.E. Sandefur Training Center brings purpose and meaning to extraordinary Hendersonians

Hugh Edward Sandefur Training Center (HESTC) has been in Henderson for many years.  It’s not new to our community, but the progressive trajectory it has been on in recent years has reshaped it into something even greater than HESTC founders had envisioned. Today, HESTC looks and operates in an innovative and newly expanded way at their newest facility on Market Drive. HESTC has benefited those in the Henderson community with physical and mental disabilities, as well as helped their families and local businesses.

Chief Executive Officer Julie Wischer says HESTC will be 50-years-old next July. “It all started as kind of an extension to Riverview School,” Wischer tells me. “Hugh Edward Sandefur suffered crippling arthritis as an adult, was bedridden and moved around this town in an ambulance. They would put his bed in an ambulance and take him where he needed to go.  He was on the board at Riverview.”

(Riverview School is also located in Henderson and according to their website, they “provide educational programs and emotional support for preschool children having special needs and their families.”)

Wischer gave me a tour of the Market Drive location. The excitement was felt throughout my entire time there, both from the friendly staff and high-energy participants (a term they use to refer to their employees.) She led me down a hallway that opened up to a production room full of people hard at work on various projects. They are a welcoming bunch as nearly all of them looked up to smile and wave, recognizing I was a guest in the building.  As we continued to walk through the production side of the business, we were forced to take many stops to allow for some exuberant introductions. Odell Roach, a gentleman with a big smile, got up from his workstation to hug Wischer and say, “I love you!” He then turned to me, waved, and joyfully said, “Hi!”

Another participant, Steve Larue, introduces himself to me then begins sharing with me about his love for Henderson County High School Football. “Do you like my new hat?” he inquires.

“We had the Henderson County Football team in here last week to volunteer,” Wischer said. “They all got to meet the quarterback, the linemen, and the coach gave Steve a gift –  a new Colonels hat.”

“There’s nothing like it,” she says to me as she smiles and waves to everyone as we walked out of the room to continue on my tour. “Where else can you work where people tell you they love you and that you’re pretty every day?”

Before HESTC, individuals with physical and mental disabilities often were prevented from working due to their restrictions. However, HESTC works hard to change that. When I asked her if there was any disability they can’t employ, she happily says they find employment for everyone.

“We have a young man who has cerebral palsy,” says Wischer. “He is wheelchair bound. He inspects brackets for Hunter Douglas blinds.” They can find a project for anyone who wants to work, but requires special consideration with regard to job responsibilities. “We will find something to make it work,” she adds.

“Hunter Douglas is one of our largest vendors. We dip automotive products in black paint for Pittsburgh Glass Works.  Dana has projects for us.  We sort hangers for Sitex.  We are always looking for new projects,” she says.

If any business has a project suitable for HESTC, they can rest assured not only will the project be completed adequately, but it will also be done with a cheerful heart.

Jesse Hopgood, a participant on the production side of the business, says, “What I like most about working at the center is the people you get to work with.” He explained to me that he and his coworkers have similar “connections” and added that they are “fun to be with.”

“It started off as a workshop. A place where people with disabilities could work and find a job,” Wischer said, but now they have expanded on Mr. Sandefur’s dream of helping people with disabilities by also offering “adult training services.”

As we continued through the facility on my tour, we began to smell the aroma of lunch that filled the room. Wisher said the lunchroom, built after they moved to the Market Drive location, was funded through a capital campaign through community support.

We came upon Mark Hobson, Adult Day Training Coordinator, preparing lunch while also teaching a cooking class to a group of very attentive participants on the other side of the building. Hobson explained to me how he teaches the participants who have an interest in a new recipe and then, if they choose, they can sit down and eat the dish they just learned how to make together. “I want to invite you for lunch in about 15 minutes,” he says to me.  “Come back before you leave and get a taste.”

In addition to cooking, they also offer various life skill training. Some of the training in the recent past has included internet safety, writing signatures in cursive, gardening and money management. Hobson tells me that they welcome anyone who has a training class idea and wants to help out. “We need volunteers that want to come in and teach life skills and social skills. We love to have volunteers here,” he says.

“Things they don’t think they can do, we’ve been able to show them that they can,” Wischer said. “Things that you and I do without thinking can be a big milestone for someone else.”

This non-profit organization is top-notch and a worthy cause for the community to champion.  However, to continue to offer this high level of quality service, they need help. As is common among non-profit organizations, HESTC runs on a “shoestring budget,” which means they have big dreams but have limited funding. For them to maintain and strengthen the health of HESTC, they need assistance from the community.

It takes dedication, hard work, and funding to continue to offer the services they do at the level of excellence they do. “We get some grant money, and some donations,” Wischer said. “Our adult day program is predominately funded through Medicaid. People can donate on our website. We need volunteers.”

Anyone desiring to help, either by donating or by volunteering, can get further information by visiting the HESTC website at www.hesandefur.com or by calling their office at 270-827-2401.