Compassionate Capitalism - January 2005

HSI: Challenged Individuals

Helping the Community and Each Other

by Stephanie Beck

HSI, originally known as High Sierra Industries, was formed in 1977 to provide employment for local citizens with disabilities. Though the mission seems simple, success is in the people and the details.

HSI is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of meaningful work, learning and supported-living opportunities for individuals with developmental, physical and mental challenges in Northern Nevada. The organization’s purpose is to encourage employees to become self-sufficient and independent by providing training and developmental services. Currently, the company provides services for clients such as the Naval Air Station in Fallon and IGT.

So how does HSI make its money? The company offers itself as a subcontractor to larger businesses that need manufacturing and sub-assembly work. Services are specific to manufacturing, harnessing and wiring and grounds maintenance. Profits made from this work pay the bills that come with running a company. Of course, the company is highly competitive in its pricing and always on the lookout for the opportunity to bid on additional new contracts. The demand for work is high, and as the demand for jobs increases, so does the need for a larger location.

Because the goal is to create a financially stable environment for employees to work in, contracts require that HSI meets production deadlines and delivers quality work. Just like any other company, if the goals are not met, contracts can be lost.

"Our employees are very motivated and very productive," said Chief Executive Officer LaVonne Brooks. In fact, people with disabilities are no different from anyone else, she explained. They desire the opportunity to work, take pride in what they accomplish and want to develop more independence.

"Our people are extremely disciplined and reliable. They want to work and enjoy their sense of belonging," explained Brooks, who comes from a career in manufacturing, and has owned a training and development consulting practice. She is proud to say she has never seen a more disciplined workforce than the one at HSI.

She explained, "The irony is that lots of people think a humane work environment isn’t disciplined. If we weren’t disciplined, we wouldn’t be as productive a workforce."

In addition to providing manufacturing work, HSI also hosts an annual fundraiser called the X-treme Ability Challenge. The XAC is a relay race in which local teams compete by performing the tasks that HSI employees do every day. These tasks may include assembling brackets by using only one hand, or opening a door while sitting in a wheelchair. The event raises funds that support HSI programs, while raising awareness about what it takes for many of HSI’s employees to accomplish their day-to-day jobs.

HSI also offers supported-living services. These include providing one-on-one training and support services for disabled adults who are transitioning into a more independent living situation. The program can provide anywhere from 10 hours of training per month to 24-hour support. The challenge, said Brooks, is in determining exactly in which areas an individual needs and desires support.

HSI is one non-profit that attempts to avoid the stereotype of being a poor non-profit organization. By creating opportunity and profitable jobs for employees, the company also creates recognition that an HSI employee is not simply a disabled worker, but a contributing member of the workforce and community.

HSI

555 Reactor Way
Reno, Nevada 89502
(775) 829-7400
www.hsireno.com