WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Inside KETCH, there is a team of hardworking people who build heating and air filters. Each one focuses on the precise steps.
“Then, I put the glue here,” explained Jason Wagner.
Wagner is one of nearly 75 people in KETCH’s work program. The nonprofit hires adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We’re a training center. Ideally, all of our persons who are working here today will be able to end up going out in the community and working the ideal job of their choice,” explained Andrea Wagner, Ketch’s Work Program Production Coordinator.
The program runs like any other business.
“They are just like you and I, with abilities that far exceed any disability they have,” Andrea explained.
KETCH produces and sells 200,000 filters each year.
Every shift builds up the employee’s skills.
“We all learn how to communicate with each other and with the bosses and like how to do things like the machines,” said Sara Rieder, a KETCH employee.
The job pays out more than money.
“It fills my heart with joy,” Rieder said.
It gives purpose.
“It shows that they can be successful, that they can contribute, and that there’s full meaning in their life,” Andrea said.
The day’s work builds confidence in the employees to handle whatever unfolds in the future.
“I might go to a job full time. You never know,” Rieder said.
KETCH also does other side projects in addition to filters. You can place an order by calling 316-383-8770.