Living Green

Adults with mental disabilities power recycling center

GEORGETOWN, Texas — A handful of men pull up in a maroon minivan, pile out and break into a military-style formation.

"Go. Go. Go. Let's go," they say to one another — not yelling, but speaking in a way that demands harder work.

Someone claps loudly, off beat with the chants.

They are traveling around Georgetown, collecting recyclables for Rock House, a state-funded program that helps adults with mental disabilities find work.

Among their stops: almost every Georgetown school, private offices, churches, the county jail and the county courthouse.

Courthouse clerks try not to pay too much attention when the Rock House crew comes in, but some can't help themselves.

"They are really a delightful distraction," said Nancy Phillips, a deputy district clerk. "Some just want to say 'hi', but they take their job very seriously. It gives them a sense of purpose."

The school year is a busier time for the 40 Rock House employees, but they still make their rounds during summer — three days a week.

After the recycling is picked up around town, it is taken to a two-story metal building on the west side of Interstate 35 off Williams Drive.

Program director Harold Bay said most Rock House employees come every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and help separate paper, package paper or crush cans with a machine outside.

"We wanted to be a part of the community and do something to give back," Bay said. "And then we began to see a need for recycling, especially with all the new schools and all the paper they use."

The Rock House in Georgetown began in 1985. A few years after it opened, Bay started the recycling program. There are five other Rock Houses in Texas, and all are funded by the state.

Some Rock House employees have second jobs, including Kenneth Tise, who has worked at McDonald's for 15 years.

"I like both jobs," Tise said one Thursday after a trip to the Georgetown school district administration building.

"I try to come here every morning, except Saturday and Sunday."

Others have part-time jobs at bowling alleys, Southwestern University and pharmacies.

But those who have only Rock House are there every day.

"We just want people to know we are out here," Bay said.

Leslie Johns, a day rehabilitation trainer, said he never recycled until he started working for Rock House.

"Now, I am a recycling freak," Johns said one afternoon as he climbed behind the wheel of the van. "This job makes every day feel better."