VSI Celebrates 60 Years of Providing Dignified, Meaningful Employment at its Community Awards Night! | Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers

The VSI Community Awards provided a wonderful opportunity to recognize the outstanding individuals, local businesses, and community organizations that went above and beyond to support Vocational Services, Inc. throughout 2025.

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as VSI proudly marked its 60th Anniversary.

Here are a few meaningful moments from the celebration:

A man wearing a blue suit with red hair, a beard and glasses standing next to another man wearing a white shirt with tan pants and suspenders

Kimbal with Dan Gier from DESE

Dan Gier, the Director of Extended Employment Sheltered Workshops for DESE, proudly joined VSI and Executive Director Kimbal Mothershead to celebrate its’ 60th Anniversary, sharing in this special milestone.

Woman wearing a red striped shirt and a black sweater standing next to another woman with short brown hair wearing a maroon top and jean shorts holding up a certificate

Production Employee of the Year Award

Christina Mulder received the Production Employee of the Year Award

Three women standing together, the one in the middle is holding a certificate

Margaret Hylton Employee of the Year Award

Michelle Jaycox was awarded the Margaret Hylton Employee of the Year Award

Two women standing together, the one on the left is holding a certificate

VSI Management Team Member of the Year Award for 2025

LezLee Birdsong was awarded the VSI Management Team Member of the Year Award for 2025

Three women and a man are standing together, the woman on the far left is holding a certificate

Parent/Guardian of the Year Award

Brenda & William Orr received the Parent/Guardian of the Year Award

VSI Clay County Employer of the Year Award

Upper Cut KC received the VSI Clay County Employer of the Year Award

A man and three women standing together, one woman in the middle is holding a certificate

VSI Customer of the Year Award

Chemical Universe received the VSI Customer of the Year Award

Six people standing on a stage, four women and three men. One woman in the middle is holding a certificate

VSI Community Partner of the Year Award

Mid Continent Public Library received the VSI Community Partner of the Year Award

A woman with short hair wearing glasses and a blue and white damask printed sleveless dress and a man with red hair and beard and glasses wearing a blue suit jacket and jeans on a stage. The woman is holding a certificate.

Working for the Public Good Award

Life Unlimited was awarded the of the Working for the Public Good Award

Two men standing together, the one on the right holding a certificate

VSI Vendor of the Year Award

Liberty Plumbing Heating & AC was awarded the VSI Vendor of the Year Award

Thank you to all of our award recipients, supporters, employees, and friends for being part of our story. Here’s to celebrating our past, our partnerships, and the bright future ahead!