Skils'kin

Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe's mission is to elevate people living with disabilities. "I want to be a role model, to let people know that people with disabilities have something to offer society. I want to give people the right to dream," Raphael said in an article posted on Paralympic.org titled, Four Ghanaians Express' Right to Dream.' Raphael, a four-time Paralympic athlete, was the first Ghanaian to secure a spot for the 2020 Summer Paralympics. He set the new African record of 14.22 seconds in the 100-meter T54 wheelchair race at Arizona's 2019 Desert Challenge Games. Sunday, Raphael plans to take to the streets of Downtown Spokane and compete in the wheelchair division during the 48th annual Bloomsday. Last year, he led the Masters Division with a time of 36:46. Skil'skin extends its heartfelt support to Raphael and all Bloomsday participants, from wheelchair racers to runners, wishing them a thrilling race and a triumphant finish.

Greg Beavers is a passionate Minnesota Vikings fan. Our production crew member proudly wears his solid purple jersey and gold Vikings cap to work three times a week during the football season. Although he loves the Norseman-inspired team, it was the person who exposed the sport to Greg that means a great deal more. His dad, Bill, got him into the game as a kindergartener. The most memorable match they watched was in 1988, when the Vikings went head-to-head with the 49ers. "I remember Steve Young, the 49ers quarterback, ran an impressive 90-plus yards to score a touchdown and win the game," said Greg. "I couldn't believe it. I'll never forget that game and that play." When his sister married, Greg treated her to a Vikings game as a wedding present. He recited the popular Viking skol chant during the game, making the 'V' shaped symbol with his arms. He also loves to do the chant at home while watching the Vikings on TV. Greg joined Skils'kin five years ago after meeting HR Business Partner Melody Deatherage at a Spokane Civic Theatre production. He started on the grounds crew at Fairchild Air Force Base and then moved into custodial. Today, he works on the production crew team in our commercial services' professional laundry division. When asked what he likes best about his job, he said the people he works with. Thanks, Greg, for all your hard work. We love having you on our team. Skils'kin helps adults with disabilities integrate into the community through employment services. You can learn more at our website. https://skils-kin.org/.

The Bloomsday runner statues in Riverfront Spokane have inspired athletes of all ages for many years. Artist David Govedare used actual Bloomsday participants as models when creating the 'Joy of Running Together' art piece. The art piece features life-sized figures, including the statue of Jerry Martin, our long-time production crew member, riding in his wheelchair. Watch for Jerry's story on KHQ Local News —many thanks to KHQ Local News anchor and reporter John Webb for sharing Jerry's inspiring story.

For over thirty years, the iconic runner statues in Riverfront Spokane have encouraged athletes of all ages. The late artist David Govedare used actual Bloomsday participants as models when creating the 'Joy of Running Together' art piece. Among the forty life-sized figures displayed, one holds a special place in our hearts. It's the statue of our long-time production crew member, Jerry Martin, riding in his wheelchair. "David had me come to his house in Chewelah," recalls Jerry. "He laid me out on cardboard and drew my outline. I thought it was an honor and was happy to do it." Jerry competed in 25 Bloomsdays, starting with his first race in 1980. The unknown course presented challenges for him. "I used a standard wheelchair, so it was slow going," said Jerry. "It took me at least an hour to complete." He details going down the steep incline of Riverside and attempting to navigate the sharp corner at the bottom. "You'd be going about 40 mph," said Jerry. "My wheels started shimmying, and I flipped. Runners behind me picked me up and put me back into the chair. I started going down the hill again and flipped. Runners again put me back in the chair, and I finished the race." In the years following, Jerry upgraded his equipment almost yearly, purchasing aerodynamic wheelchairs that increased his speed and agility on the course. "The designs were changing so fast. I kept changing chairs to keep up with the times," said Jerry. "It made a whole lot of difference on the course." Jerry was among the top ten finishers in the Open Division every year. His best time for the course was 31 minutes. When he entered the Master Division after age 40, he finished in first place two years in a row. "I always liked the comradery with the other wheelchair racers," said Jerry. "And to have other runners around. It's like a big celebration." After 25 Bloomsday races, Jerry decided to transition to hand cycling. He's successfully competed in hand cycling events across the United States. Between wheelchair and handcycle racing events, he estimates he has completed over 226 marathons. "I'm just doing it for fun now," said Jerry. "I go twenty miles, sometimes 30 miles, several times a week."

This is Anthony Schmidt, a teenage boy on the autism spectrum. He collects and photographs model cars, and the results are absolutely stunning—you could easily mistake his toy cars in the photos for the real thing. Anthony has a vast collection, including vintage cars, classic pickups, motorbikes, dragsters, and Formula 1 cars. He even has some trucks and heavy equipment to boot, all of which he captures in photos. April is Autism Acceptance Month. We’re honored to recognize, advocate for, and assist individuals with autism. 📸: Anthony Schmidt Photography

Our irrigation crew at F. E. Warren Air Force Base got creative for an impromptu viewing of the solar eclipse. James Heinen, Seth Kuno, and Ed Johnson threw on welding helmets to shade their eyes from the partial coverage. Although it only reached about 60%, it was worth a gaze 😎

CHAS Health’s Mobile Clinic visited Fairchild Air Force Base to connect Skils’kin employees with vital healthcare services. “Our mobile medicine program was identified as the best option to start engaging Skils’kin employees in health services,” said Shelby Lambdin, Health Equity Director for CHAS Health. “We want to build trust and answer their questions about CHAS Health and the importance of primary healthcare.” CHAS Health Nurse Practitioner Zoey DeLeon opened the event by presenting CHAS Health and its services to our staff. The CHAS Health team followed the presentation by conducting required employee health screenings. “Our mission is to reduce barriers to healthcare,” said Shelby. “Skils’kin employees are typically unengaged in the healthcare system.” The event is the culmination of a year and a half of laying the groundwork for the partnership between Skils’kin and CHAS Health. Former Health Officer Dr. Bob Lutz introduced Skils’kin to CHAS Health after being a guest on Skils’kin’s Good Gab Podcast in 2022. That introduction sparked Skils’kin’s decision to switch insurance companies so our employees could access CHAS Health. “Our partnership with CHAS Health is an important step for our staff,” said Skils’kin Regional Vice President Steve McBride. “Through its mobile clinic, CHAS Health provides the needed medical resources in an accessible manner.” According to Shelby, the event was the first step. CHAS Health plans to conduct monthly health visits to Fairchild Air Force Base for Skils’kin staff. “As we develop the partnership and identify more of the need, we’ll likely adjust,” said Shelby. “Our goal is to work with Skils’kin and identify how to engage employees in their health.”

The first thing you notice about David Petsch is his smile. The long-term Pizza Hut employee's infectious, cheerful demeanor spreads to everyone around him as he relays the day's specials or what's happening in the area. David has worked at the pizza chain for 24 years. An unusual aspect of his schedule is that he rotates between six locations. On some days, he works at two stores, using paratransit to get from one to the other. His primary task is folding large and medium-sized pizza boxes. Over the years, David has perfected his folding technique to amass a tall stack of boxes, estimated to be over 300, within his shift. But his skill isn't limited to folding. He quickly adds stickers and coupons to each box to encourage repeat business. David's pride in his job reflects his dedication and passion for getting the job done. Over the years, David's missed only a few days' work. In his free time, David enjoys music, gardening, walking, and creating unique art pieces for the people in his life. One co-worker laminated several of David's pieces and displayed them in the restaurant. When David retires, he plans to visit the second happiest place on earth. “I want to go to Disneyland Resort said David. "I've never been there, ever." Skils'kin provides employment services to adults with disabilities, helping them integrate into the community. Learn more at our website: https://skils-kin.org/.

On any given day, Chance Taylor is head down, sketch pad open, colored pencils in hand, intently creating one-of-a-kind artwork. The Fairchild Air Force Base custodial crew member spends his lunch breaks and downtime crafting intricate drawings. “He starts with a blank canvas and turns it into something amazing,” said Skils’kin Operations Manager Mikel Davis. “I thought at first he was coloring pictures, but I realized he was drawing them first.” Chance joined Skils’kin about a year ago. During that time, he’s patterned dozens of images in refined detail. Once the outline is complete, he carefully colors his characters and backgrounds, sometimes adding a title to the page. He uses a combination of crayons, colored pencils, and markers to enhance his colorful collection of dinosaurs and animated characters. His favorite subjects include Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls. “The characters are amazing,” said Chance. “I love drawing them because they’re smart and regal.” Thank you, Chance, for sharing your incredible artwork. Skils'kin provides employment services to adults with disabilities, helping them integrate into the community. Learn more at our website: https://skils-kin.org/.

Skils’kin Regional Vice President Steve McBride and Dana Divine, our Director of Outside Sales & Social Media, honored Michael Church with Stamper Rubens PS, Attorneys at Law with a Challenge Coin. Michael’s coin showcases the corporate value of Relationships. Michael partnered with Skils’kin and its custodial crew for over ten years to clean its entire building and grounds crew, trim hedges, remove snow, and clean up. “We are grateful to Michael for his loyalty and support,” said Steve. “Your ongoing belief in our company inspired us. We sincerely appreciate everything you’ve done for the people we serve.” Community partnerships are what make us stronger. Collectively, we can empower individuals with disabilities through employment. Skils'kin provides employment services to adults with disabilities, helping them integrate into the community. Learn more at our website: https://skils-kin.org/.