5-Star Turns 40: Humble beginning, huge importance to Du Quoin-area
Four decades ago, Tom Hamlin and a small group of individuals in Du Quoin had a vision for a program that would meet the needs of those with disabilities. It became Five Star Industries. At the outset there was pushback in a near east side neighborhood that worried about a group home being started there. As it turned out, renovation of that home set the standard for care and maintenance. A workshop evolved that helped this community at every turn, provided high quality goods and services and in recent years has even produced the high quality Lunker Lures™ for the fishing industry.
As Five Star Industries passes the 40-year anniversary, it is worth talking about the program and its blessing this year. The program has had various directors and has benefitted from the work of executive director Susan Engelhardt since 1995.
Five Star began as "the little workshop that could" and has since become an economic engine for the community, employing 75 staff members and another 75 clients. It's group homes stand on eight sites--six in Du Quoin and two in Pinckneyville and include a children's group home for five kids with autism or related conditions at Twin Oaks on Du Quoin's east side.
Staff member Ashley Warren talks about the year..
"As this year comes to a close, we here at Five Star Industries wanted to take time to reflect on some of the wonderful things that happened this past year. One of our favorite memories was this year's annual Five Star banquet. Held in October, we were able to gather with all our friends and family to celebrate our year of many accomplishments.
"This year our host was The Du Quoin Elks Lodge, which provided the perfect spot to put on our Mardi Gras themed event" she said.
The Elks prepared a delicious smoked chicken breast meal along with all of the fixings. The Du Quoin Pentecostal Church Youth Group proved to be great dinner servers for the second year in a row. After enjoying a cookie from Baked by Genes, we celebrated a year of client and staff successes with an awards ceremony," she continues.
"We first celebrated Marc Prusaski for his wonderful work in our on-site client store. Next we recognized Nissie Conner and Michael Miller for their accomplishments working with the Individualized Placement and Support to maintain competitive employment in the community," she said.
Afterward, all clients were awarded certificates for their years of service at Five Star. Two very special clients, Paul Reidelberger and David Pyle were awarded $40 gift cards in recognition of their 40 years of dedication and service to Five Star. After the service awards were given, then came the highly anticipated client of the year awards.
First up, was Aaron Vuichard who very deservingly won the developmental Training Program Award. Then came Michael Miller who won the Supported Employment client of the year. Next up was Michaela Rice who received the Twin Oaks Home award. Lastly, the Residential CILA Home client of the year was named as Sandy Reeves.
Following client awards one very special staff was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the agency and the clients she serves. Carla Carroll received the respected title of Staff of the Year. The final category was reserved for staff service awards. Standing solo in the 5 year award was Cheryl Hester. Next up was Diana Brown, Kenita Cobin, and Tirzah Slechticky with 10 years of service. Following those awards, Janet Maxton, and Kathy Peach were honored for their 25 years of service. Wrapping up the night everyone was happy to give a great big cheer to the hardworking and very revered Linda Taylor for her 30 years of service and dedication. After the award ceremony was completed, it was time to clear the stage and get ready to boogie!
With Nathan Mirelez providing DJ services, everyone got to "Whip and Nae Nae" the night away. There was even time to do some karaoke. As the night came to a close everyone left with full stomachs and even fuller hearts as we reflected on all the accomplishment and more importantly the friends we have made throughout the year.
"We give special thanks to our host and caterer Du Quoin Elks Lodge, as well as our all of our wonderful servers from The Du Quoin United Pentecostal Church youth group. We also thank some of our very own staff and friends, Nathan Mirelez for his DJ services, Cara Bochantin for a beautiful media presentation, and Dawn Murphy for using her photography skills to help us preserve memories of the night for years to come. We would also like to take a moment to thank all of the clients, their families, the staff, the banquet planning committee and all of the board of directors for their efforts and supports year round that make celebrations like this possible for Five Star Industries. It has been a great 40 years at Five Star and we are looking forward to many more happy memories and celebrations in the future!" she said.
As state resources to fund programs for residents with disabilities get harder to come by, Five Star has been the gold standard for getting the job done without a lot of outside help--self-sustaining and an important part of the community.