Several employees with disabilities at The Chicago Lighthouse have attained a major milestone:  the production of two million Electronic Recipient Identification Numbers (E-RINS).

The employees will be saluted for their hard work at a special recognition program at the Lighthouse, 1850 W. Roosevelt Rd. on Monday afternoon, May 14, 12 to 1 pm.

A joint effort between the Lighthouse and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), the RIN program enables employees, all of whom have a disability, to use an internet-based system to conduct retrieval and assignment of recipient identification numbers to clients receiving services from social services agencies to permit them to invoice for payment.  

Using RIN numbers instead of social security numbers helps lessen the threat of identify fraud.

“At a time of high unemployment, this innovative program has provided jobs for several individuals who are legally blind, visually impaired and deaf and physically disabled,” noted Jean-Claude Kappler, vice president of Lighthouse Industries who oversees RIN.

He added that creating jobs for people with disabilities is critical given that the rate of unemployment for this group is substantially above the national average.

Receiving accolades for their outstanding work are members of the RIN team:  Kevin Burton, manager of the program; Sara Chung; Connie Davis; Jefferdia Draper; Jarvis Johnson; William Manning; Mindy Mayer and Meghan McGovern.

The RIN employees, who process on average more than 1,300 requests a day and an average of 6,000-to-7,000 per week, represent a diverse mix, including African Americans, Caucasians and Asian Americans. 
“All our people have top-notch technical skills and a proven ability to make sound judgments as well as quick decisions,” said Burton, who formerly worked at the Chicago Tribune as a quality analyst. 

He added that the RIN participants have demonstrated a willingness to work hard, to give their jobs the very best effort and to get along well with each other, encouraging a most congenial and productive environment.

“We are all so very proud of Kevin and his team for this remarkable achievement and for inspiring the rest of us with their productivity and commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Janet Szlyk, Lighthouse president and executive director.  “We look forward to them achieving their three millionth RIN!”

Dr. Szlyk praised her successor, Jim Kesteloot, as well as Audrey McCrimon, formerly of DHS, for their vision and foresight in establishing the program which was designed to provide jobs for individuals who sorely needed them.

 “We want to commend the RIN employees for the exceptional quality of their work,” said DHS Secretary Michelle Saddler, adding that this effort represents a successful model for collaboration between state government and a social service organization.  

She added that through this initiative, the state of Illinois is fulfilling its historic commitment to assisting people with disabilities in securing employment.

For further information on RIN, call 312/666-1331 or visit http://chicagolighthouse.org/programs-and-services/programs/recipient-identification-number-rin