Providing Opportunity Tesh Helps Disabled Become Independent Through Training, Support

TESH was established in 1976 as a vocational training center serving individuals from the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as well as the Department of Health and Welfare.

In 1982, TESH established the Transitional Living Center group home which operated until 1993, when TESH opened a pair of four-plex apartments and moved most residents from the group home into apartments.

Here is a closer look at TESH, as described by director Ken Korczyk.

Q. What does your agency do?

A. TESH is a private, nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve independence as part of the community through a choice of support services. By providing these services, the quality of life is enhanced for both the individual and the community. We provide a wide array of rehabilitation services, including vocational training, job development and placement, life skills training and residential support services.

Q. What kinds of service opportunities exist for volunteers?

A. Our life skills program, “Pathways to Independence,” can use volunteers to assist staff in working with small groups of adults with developmental disabilities in arts and crafts, community outings, grooming, horticulture, music, art therapy, karate, etc. We invite individuals from the community to come and talk to our groups about various topics of interest. We currently have one college student volunteering. We also participate with the service-learning program from North Idaho College each semester and occasionally receive community service or juvenile diversion folks. We could use a volunteer every day.

Q. How are you funded? What is your largest fund-raising operation?

A. As a nonprofit business, TESH offers all of its services on a fee-for-service basis. That means we get paid as we provide the vocational or life skills service either through a state agency, a private party or a private business. Our largest fund-raising event is the Hangover Handicap Fun Run held Jan. 1 each year, a five-mile fun run that we have coordinated for 18 years. We usually net between $4,000 and $5,000 a year, thanks to a variety of corporate sponsors.

Q. What services do you provide to the community at little or no cost?

A. Through our developmental life skills program, we provide a variety of volunteers to other entities in the community, including Shopping for Friends, where small groups of clients at TESH grocery shop for home-bound elderly. We charge nothing for the service but the people do pay for their own groceries. Meals on Wheels - TESH consumers and staff volunteer Monday and Wednesday for the Coeur d’Alene Senior Center. Also at the Kootenai County Humane Society, several clients and staff volunteer together. The Women’s Center and Food Bank utilize staff and client volunteers from TESH.

Q. How has your agency grown?

A. Over the years, TESH has expanded its services and locations - into Shoshone and Bonner counties. Last year, TESH provided more than 800 services for 530 individuals.

Q. How do you predict it will grow in the future? What new developments are there at your agency?

A. One of our fastest growing components is our Skill Connections training center housed in a separate facility behind the main TESH facility in the Coeur d’Alene Industrial Park. Last year we provided clerical training services to more than 140 individuals. This skills center has recently added a medical terminology training program and soon will be establishing an optician training program. We also have just purchased a house on a large lot next to our Homestead apartments where we will offer life skills training for a number of our consumers in a realistic residential setting. The folks can walk to stores, banks and businesses to access the community and also to learn the skills necessary to live more independently in the community.

Q. What additional services would you provide if you had the funding?

A. Many of our clients have asked for more recreational activities. Transportation is another huge issue. If we had funding to purchase a vehicle, particularly a lift-equipped van, individuals who use a wheelchair could more readily and more often acccss what our community offers.

Q. How can people contact you if they want to donate money or time?

A. Tax deductible donations of goods or money can be directed to the TESH administrative offices at 3803 Industrial Park Avenue, Coeur d’Alene (765-5105). Contributions to TESH qualify for an Idaho tax credit in addition to the normal tax benefits.

Q. How can people contact you if they need your services?

A. People inquiring about TESH services can contact either Ken Korczyk, Krystie Robbins, or Pam Bemis at TESH in Coeur d’Alene.