Black Hills Bagels finds talented employees through Black Hills Works

Deborah Jensen, co-owner of Black Hills Bagels, appreciates the challenges that many small business owners face. Jensen has discovered one way to help fight the need for workers. Jensen utilizes Black Hills Works as an employment resource when she is needing help.

Jensen says, “Well, first of all, I’d like to tell you that these people have a lot of talent. They really don’t have disabilities. I think we use that word, but it is incorrect when it comes to the folks that I hire from Black Hills Works. They’re amazing people.” 

Sometimes, Black Hills Works will reach out to a potential employer. Jensen continues, “Which actually happened about eighteen years ago, for me. The Black Hills Works folks contacted me and they said, you know, we have some really talented people that might be that might be a good fit for you. And we know that you need some help, and so maybe we can work together. And that is really how the process begins from there is very simple. I mean, they they get a paycheck. Most of them work 20 to 25 hours. You know, it just depends on what the agreement with Social Security or whatever is. But so they they have another paycheck, so they can only work limited hours in a lot of cases. And the the pay is negotiable. And they’re just a wonderful, wonderful organization.”

Jensen has several employees from Black Hills Works that have been employed with her for many years. When asked what the benefit is for the employer, Jensen says, “The benefits of the business are many. First of all, you’ve got amazing loyalty. You have people that work is not a four letter word. They love to work. And they they are such a joy for especially in an organization like this where we deal with a lot of customers. They  love people. I think people don’t understand that that there is that resource. Unemployment is about 3% and it’s been historically about that in Pennington County and West River, especially in the summer months. And so you hire folks from this organization and they will work with you on different hours that you need, different things that that you might need. And they’re just wonderful people. And the organization is wonderful to work with. 

Jensen also points out that work really does contribute to your self worth. “When you work and you produce something or you do something and you have a reason to get up, it is great for your health, your mental and physical health. If I were if I were looking for help, which I’m always looking for help, one of the areas that I first look for is Black Hills Works because they’re so great to work with. I mean, there are lots of organizations out there and there are lots of people out there that you can work with. But Black Hills Works is definitely, I think, a must contact for a small business.”