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Shelton has worked for Miami Valley Gaming for a year now in housekeeping. She has found support from her co-workers and supervisors in the areas she struggles with because of Down syndrome — like communicating and her sense of time.
But whether it’s cleaning or straightening up the casino, or helping a customer, she said about her job, “I do like it.”
Kiersten’s mom, Joleah Spatz, helps her get to work on time, and then her teammates at the casino helps her succeed at that point. They’ll tell her when it’s time to take a break or when her break is over.
They want to see her succeed, and so does her employer.
“She’s a real dynamo,” said Domenic Mancini, president and general manager for Miami Valley Gaming.
Kiersten’s success story is just one example of Miami Valley Gaming’s efforts for inclusion, which is a big reason why the Warren County casino is the Butler County Developmental Disabilities Employer of the Year. Other nominees for the honor included Building Blocks for Kids and Culvers at Bridgewater Falls.
Developmental Disabilities spokeswoman Wendy Planicka said Miami Valley Gaming has a handful of people with disabilities working, and was nominated by one of their employees “that recognized their good work.
“We’re fortunate in Butler County that we have so many really good employers (in the region) and that’s why we created this award a couple years ago,” Planicka said. “Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot to do a little bit extra.”
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Reaching out to the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities just made good business sense, said Mardia Shands, Miami Valley Gaming human resources senior director.
“You look for available labor in unconventional places,” she said. “Those individuals with disabilities have skills that aren’t utilized or recognized by every organization, and it’s smart, good business practice to look in those places that others aren’t looking.”
Mancini is appreciative of the employer of the year accolade but says that’s not why they’re in business, or reached out to the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities seek prospective employees.
“You don’t expect recognition like that, but when you get it, it’s very nice,” he said.
The casino opened in December 2013, and Mancini said from that moment “our promise was we were going to do everything we could to be a good corporate citizen. We wanted to be a part of the community, we wanted to reach out every which way we could.”
OTHER ACCOLADES
The 23rd Community Recognition Dinner on April 6 recognized 82 people for to 82 people for providing support, friendship and encouragement at home, at work, at school and in the community.
Community Recognition Awards recipients included:
• Gloria Sigman, who has spent countless hours advocating for people with disabilities to support the prosecution of cases for crime victims,
• Lisa Frye, who leads a team of guardians who ensure that people with disabilities make informed decisions and live dignified lives, and the group of volunteers who generously donate their time at the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields. Her team includes Jennie Endsley, Danny Powers, Kasey Fuchs, Kim McBee, Jamie McBee, John Dorn, Joe Wiseman, Lisa Powers and Karen Fuchs.
Other honors include:
• Individual Volunteer of the Year Award: Dave Glock, Jr. for starting Caring Craftsmen, a group of handymen;
• Group Volunteer of the Year Award: Make a House a Home for their continued commitment to supporting people with disabilities so they can live as independently as possible in the community;
• Provider of the Year Award: Mohamed Mbeitt for the support he provides to Joel;
• Lloyd Harris Community Award: Kenta Mignot for his volunteer work sharing the Rapid Prompting Method with professionals and families;
• Fred Valerius Family Lifetime Achievement Award: the Mann Family for their long-term advocacy work and volunteer service; and
• Jeff & Debbie Crouse Self-Advocacy Award: Jody Mann for her leadership on important issues.
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