“They saw the value in ….

“They saw the value in people with disabilities,” Fallos said.

“We try to say people have diverse abilities,” she explained. “We all have strengths and weaknesses. The people we serve have value and can contribute. That is what you are seeing, that value in people.”

Going forward, Fallos said, BRI is continuing to adapt and meet the needs of its clients and the community. BRI works closely with the Medford Area Public Schools SOAR program which serves 18-21 year olds. In addition, last summer BRI started a summer youth program contracting with all the district in the county providing youth services for children with disabilities.

The program engaged with youth with disabilities between the ages of 14-21. The focus was on daily living skills training, career exploration, money management skills, physical fitness, selfadvocacy, volunteering in the community, and developing social skills. BRI looks forward to building this program for many years into the future.

BRI also continues to adapt to the changing business climate. This past year, they lost a longtime business partner with the closure of the local Phillips-Medisize facility. The company has been a long-time partner with BRI going back to 1980. Fallos noted that until the local facility closed earlier this year, working with plastics was a big part of their contracts.

She is working to develop new opportunities and reaching out to industry and business about forming new partnerships. She explains that they have a number of small contracts for projects with customers but are looking for a larger contract to replace Phillips-Medisize.

Other major contracts they have include mixing all the kitchen spices for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and providing prison guard uniforms.

“We are a true subcontractor,” Fallos said, noting they have an emphasis on quality in their production and the services they provide.