|
||||||||||||||||
|
|||||
 |
|||||
|
Business Enterprise Program
(BEP) |
|||||
|
This program offers qualified people who are legally blind the opportunity to manage a food service operation, vending stands and snack bars. Contact a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor in your local SRS office for more information.
"As much work and effort that you put into it, you get back."In Paula Hittle, Kansas has a winner. For the first time, a food vendor associated with BEP has won national recognition. Ms. Hittle, 25, has managed the Atrium Deli at the Frank Carlson Federal Building in Topeka for the last three years. Competing with sighted peers nationwide, she was recognized by the federal General Services Administration (GSA) as a runner-up for the National Randolph-Sheppard Vendor of the Year Award. Lisa Binckes, a building management specialist with GSA, said the recognition for Ms. Hittle was highly deserved. "She is very motivated and very committed to meeting customer needs," Ms. Binckes said. She added that the acceptance speech given by Ms. Hittle was forceful. "Her speech was so heartfelt and she was so appreciative, there wasn't a dry eye in the house." Ms Hittle, who has been blind since the age of 18, got her start managing a deli through BEP. Managers are self-employed and they derive their income through the successful management of the food service operation. Originally from Mayetta, Ms. Hittle heard about the program while training at RCBVI. After joining the program and receiving some basic training, she managed a small vending location at the Robert Dole Federal Building in Kansas City. When the Topeka job opened up, she jumped at the opportunity because it was closer to her family. She said the program offers basic business courses and an interest-free loan to get you started.
|
|||||
|
Contact our Web Designer at Frances.Smith@srs.ks.gov
Page last updated March 2008 |
|||||
