Hands busy at DeSoto Industries

HERNANDO - Idle hands may be the devil's workshop but you won't find any at DeSoto Industries.

The 50 mentally handicapped workers at DeSoto Industries in Hernando are nothing short of angels, according to DeSoto Industries Director Jerry Self.

Gov. Haley Barbour has proclaimed March as Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and workers at DeSoto Industries are marking the occasion with a client appreciation cookout on March 14 at the DeSoto Industries South Street location.

"They are superb individuals," Self said. "Each one has different disabilities but they also have their own advantages."

Self said DeSoto Industries help assemble packages for at least three companies, including Marietta Soap Company.

Clients, who range in disability from autism to mental retardation to cerebral palsy and a wide spectrum of other disabilities, work from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day Mondays through Fridays sorting, wrapping and packaging items.

"Their families tell us they are so glad they have this place to come to and work," Self said. "I think they would work Saturdays and Sundays too if we were open."

DeSoto Industries provides vocational training and paid employment in a realistic work environment. Clients from the community who are age 21 and older are paid based on their production on subcontracts for local businesses.

Many of the individuals reside at the James W. Mann Haven Homes and the rest consist of residents from around the county and region.

Jim Flanagan, DeSoto County Economic Development Council President and CEO, said many industries in DeSoto benefit from the services provided by DeSoto Industries.

"We try to utilize the many different resources they have," Flanagan said. "We work very well with DeSoto Industries and refer them to industries that need work done using manipulative skills."

Self said DeSoto Industries takes great pains to maintain the safety of its workers.

Clients are allowed time in the morning to socialize and greet each other before they begin work.

Clients also socialize at other times of the year, including Christmas, the Fourth of July and other holidays.

Self, a retired Marine, said he went back to school at the University of Mississippi and then began looking for a job that brought him satisfaction.

His wife's nephew is autistic and when the job at DeSoto Industries became available, Self jumped at the chance.

"I guess you could say I kind of fell into it," Self said. "I never saw myself doing this type of job before. I love it."

The former rehabilitation therapist said his job at DeSoto Industries is extremely rewarding.

"They (clients) grow on you," Self said. "You come to realize they are people just like you."