FAQs
ABOUT BCI
What is BCI?
Founded as Boone Center, Inc., BCI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer a choice of employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities along a continuum of opportunities. We offer these choices through our Organizational and Competitive Employment programs, as well as the BCI Skills Center.
What is BCI Packaging?
The Organizational Program operates as BCI Packaging, a for-purpose contact packaging business that serves the co-packing and light manufacturing needs of companies across the country and world.
Where is BCI Located?
BCI has two production facilities in Missouri. The largest is in St. Peters and has 100,000 sq. ft. of production space, warehouse, and offices. The second facility, in Moscow Mills, has 23,000 sq. ft. of production floor and warehouse space.
How is BCI Funded?
In fiscal year 2022, BCI earned 79.2% of its own revenue by providing contract packaging and light manufacturing services. In addition to this earned revenue, BCI also receives funding from three major sources to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities:
St. Charles County Developmental Disabilities Resource Board (DDRB) – In the execution of our mission to provide innovative employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, BCI incurs expenses that other contract packaging firms do not, such as additional supervision and employment support. DDRB provides reimbursement for these expenses, as well as for competitive employment and supported employment follow-along services. This funding is provided through SB40 legislation.
Community Opportunities – Similar to the DDRB in St. Charles County, Community Opportunities is the SB40 funding board in Lincoln County. Reimbursement funding from Community Opportunities helps provide additional supervision and employment support at our Moscow Mills facility.
State of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) – BCI must be able to provide our contract packaging and light manufacturing services at a competitive rate. DESE provides a daily per diem for each client working at BCI Packaging. This per diem allows us to remain competitive, which helps us sustain our mission of providing purposeful work for adults with disabilities.
ABOUT ORGANIZATIONAL EMPLOYMENT
What is Organizational Employment?
BCI’s Organizational Employment Services (OES) program employs adults living with disabilities at our facilities in St. Peters and Moscow Mills. The Organizational Program operates as BCI Packaging.
How are OES employees paid?
BCI has a Special Minimum Wage Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor (Sec. 14c) that allows us to pay less than Federal minimum wage. BCI employees are paid a wage that is commensurate with their abilities. This commensurate wage is a percentage of the prevailing wage for manufacturing in our area. The percentage is based on the individual’s ability to perform in relation to the performance of a person without a disability.
What is Prevailing Wage?
Prevailing wage refers to the wage paid to an experienced employee performing a certain task at companies located in the vicinity of BCI. The prevailing wage is not an entry level or training wage but the wage paid to an experienced employee after completion of any training or probationary periods. The prevailing wage may not be lower than the applicable statutory minimum wage as established by section 6(a)(1) of the Federal Labor Standards Act or, where applicable, a higher State minimum wage.
Who is eligible to work under this program?
Individuals employed in our facilities have been assessed by Vocational Rehabilitation and certified for employment at BCI Packaging. This certification is based on several criteria including the need for supportive employment and the nature and extent of the individual disability.
Who provides transportation?
BCI does not provide transportation, but many of our OES employees qualify for and use transportation services. These services are provided through affiliated service providers. The cost varies depending on the individual’s situation.
Who does BCI serve?
BCI serves adults ages 18 and over who have been assessed by Vocational Rehabilitation and are living with a disability and seeking employment.
What are the qualifications for Organizational Employment?
Under BCI’s OES program, individuals must meet the following minimum criteria:
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At least 18 years of age and have a documented disability
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Eligible for certification through Missouri Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and State of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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Capable of following safety measures required in a light industrial work environment
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Free of any aggressive behavioral incidents for at least six months prior to hire
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Able and willing to voluntarily work
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Able to self-administer medications
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Demonstrate work skills at a minimum of 10% of Industrial Standards
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Independent in self-care needs
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Seizures under control with prescribed medication
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Reside in either St. Charles or Lincoln Counties
What is the ABC Group?
The ABC Group is made up of parents, guardians and friends of BCI organizational employees. The group began in the 1970s and supports BCI through volunteer and community efforts including fundraising. They meet monthly at St. Peters for sharing and planning. There are no membership dues, and everyone is welcome to attend.
ABC Group members serve special meals and help with events. They also sponsor the annual May Day dances, which offer employees the chance to take an afternoon off to play carnival games, win prizes, eat snacks, and dance. Once a year, the ABC Group also runs a fundraiser. If you have questions about the ABC Group, call 636-875-5224.
How can I get more information on Organizational Employment?
Call us at 636-875-5219.
ABOUT COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT
What is Competitive Employment?
The goal of Competitive Employment is for an individual with a disability to work alongside non-disabled individuals while earning the same opportunities, responsibilities, benefits, and pay. Competitive Employment is a large and vital part of the continuum of services we provide. If you want entry- or mid-level work but have a disability that prevents you from finding or keeping a job, this program may help you.
What are typical wages?
Employees who are successful in securing competitive employment will earn Missouri State minimum wage or higher depending on the position criteria. In many cases, jobs are entry- or mid-level positions with opportunities to advance.
What are the hours?
The work hours depend on the job requirements that are set by each business. Most positions are full-time.
Who is eligible?
Eligible participants must be 18 years of age or older. You must be able to work independently with minimal prompts and support and meet a minimum performance level. You must also be aggression free and able to self-medicate, if applicable.
What transportation options will be available?
People served under our Competitive Employment Program are expected to secure their own transportation. More information about transportation and funding options is available through the service coordination team at the St. Louis/St. Charles Regional Center or through DDRB’s Case Management team. We will provide information on options and resources.
Do I have to be a client of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to participate?
No. However, we encourage all community-based competitive employees to become VR clients so they have a complete range of options and support for working in the community.
What happens after I'm hired?
Should you require periodic support after you've been hired, BCI also offers follow-along services. This extra support may be all you need to successfully navigate workplace changes or new responsibilities throughout your career.
Is Competitive Employment considered "sheltered employment"?
No. BCI’s Competitive Employment program is a path to integrated employment where employees will work alongside non-disabled individuals and earn the same opportunities, responsibilities, benefits, and pay.