Need a Good Worker? Clinton Looks to SARAH, Inc.

Just like every other American worker, Charles Ecklund, Nancy Gehm, and Page Vedrani all have their wishes and dreams of how they'd like to spend their hard-earned money. A mini-vacation? Day at the movies? How about a neat set of paints and brushes?

All three are employed by Tower Laboratories, at which they work filling boxes with the precise number of effervescent tablets the company manufactures. As with most medical labs, the room in which the three work is a "clean" environment. They are required to wear hair coverings, gowns, gloves, and eye wear.

The three are also participants of SARAH, Inc., the shoreline organization that provides services, programs, and employment opportunities to children and adults with special needs.

According to Jim Lamb, manager of business development and employment services with SARAH, Inc., the three work diligently for Tower Laboratories and take pride in earning their own money.

For someone else, counting pills might grow too monotonous, said Lamb. Many SARAH, Inc. participants, however, thrive in a very structured and ordered environment.

In a large, sunny room at the rear of SARAH's Westbrook facility, several adults work for another company arranging slim wire hangers on a form designed to keep them stacked, orderly, and in place.

Other SARAH, Inc., workers can be seen at their jobs at Big Y Foods, Walmart, or Bishop's Farm Market, for example. Many others are employed in assembly work, packing, piece work, and as cashiers and clerks.

The organization, which was founded in 1957 by three Guilford families, serves more than 250 adults, 100 of whom are in supported employment or working for local companies, said Executive Director Pat Bourne.

"SARAH started the first work program in the state," noted Bourne, who said that due to a well-trained workforce, the program is a great value for businesses.

One of its newer ventures, the recycling program, brought in $3,700 for SARAH, Inc., workers last month. Not only that, but the also program eliminated 75,000 cans and bottles from the streets, fields, and landfills.

Those who are not working

full-time at local companies help out by volunteering along the shoreline, delivering Meals on Wheels or bringing books to the elderly, said Bourne.

The organization owns a fleet of 45 vehicles for the purpose of employee transportation and volunteering, racking up a total of 850,000 miles in 2009.

But when the workday is over or it's vacation time, traveling around the world is a big treat. Ecklund has been to California, Nova Scotia, and Scotland. Vedrani has visited Las Vegas, California, Nebraska, and Florida. Gehm is hoping to go back to Buffalo, where her Aunt Betty lives, and to visit Cape Cod soon.

Along with traveling, all three have their special interests. Ecklund loves anything "whale" and can recite a litany of facts about the characteristics of many whales. He also loves the big redwood trees in California and is a talented artist. Vedrani is also passionate about animals-she especially loves those at Sea World. Gehm's thing is the Wizard of Oz and sewing.

Does your company have a need for qualified SARAH workers? For more information, visit

www.sarah-inc.org.