WACOSA Board hires new Executive Director:
The WACOSA Board of Directors has completed the search and hiring process for the new Executive Director.  Steve Howard will begin his new leadership position on July 1.  He comes to WACOSA with a strong background in vocational rehabilitation and program services for persons with disabilities.  Prior to July 1, he served as the Vice President of Program Services for Midwest Special Services, a program in St. Paul, which is similar to (but larger than) WACOSA.

WACOSA DocuShred:
Convenient, Secure, Affordable
WACOSA’s DocuShred operation is up and running in our new convenient location. If you have personal or customer documents that need to be destroyed in a safe and secure manner, give us a call at 320-251-0087.  With a 250 pound minimum, we will pick up your materials and shred them for 12¢ per pound.  Or, bring your documents to 321 Sundial Drive in Waite Park (east of Crafts Direct) and we will shred them for only 11¢ per pound.  Our new store front is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for convenient document drop off service.  When you use WACOSA DocuShred to destroy your confidential materials, you provide employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.

Recycling Project provides jobs:
WACOSA is working with the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) and the Beverage Association in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic, glass and aluminum in our land fills.  We will also be working with local businesses to collect and recycle plastic wrap. The project is funded in part with SCORE grants and supported by the Tri County Solid Waste Management Commission. This new endeavor will generate a source of employment for our consumers in our Waite Park North Program.  The jobs for consumers will include the sorting of beverage containers and pulling plastic off large rolls so that it can be baled for recycling.  We are excited about this alliance and the employment opportunities it will generate for our consumers.

Continued Growth at WACOSA:
WACOSA continues to grow in numbers of consumers served.  Since January 1, we have had 35 admissions to our programs.  We are currently serving 438 individuals in our six program locations and community employment sites.