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Gift to Workshop Will Create New Jobs for People with Disabilities


Josh G., who lives with an intellectual disability, finds fulfillment and purpose working on an automated line at BCI Packaging in St. Peters.
Boone Center, Inc. (BCI)—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through employment—has received a major gift from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The donation of $280,000 will fund new packaging equipment to expand BCI’s organizational employment program.

“We are profoundly grateful for this inspirational gift,” said BCI CEO Troy Compardo. “This is the largest single donation we’ve received in the past 20 years and possibly in our entire history. It will become a tremendous support for those often overlooked and underestimated. We firmly believe in the dignity that work provides and have seen firsthand its impact on individuals and families.”

BCI’s mission is to inspire, develop, and empower people with disabilities by providing a continuum of innovative employment opportunities. With a waitlist of over 60 individuals eager to work at BCI’s packaging center, investing in new equipment will open doors to employ even more individuals. The packaging operation is one of three distinct employment programs offered by BCI, alongside other programs that provide training and support for individuals working competitively in the community.

“The Church is committed to positively impacting communities worldwide,” said Kenny Mayer, President of the church’s Lake St. Louis Stake. “BCI is a living example of an organization serving God by helping the ‘least of these,’ and we are honored to be associated with them and their mission to help adults with developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential and achieve greater independence.”

The partnership between BCI and the church reflects a shared commitment to uplifting people. It affirms the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, experiencing the joy of community, meaningful challenges, and active engagement.

For more information about BCI’s programs or services, visit https://boonecenter.com/ or email BCI Chief Development Officer Kristin Williams at kwilliams@boonecenter.com to schedule a tour.

For more information on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org or email Communication Director Thomas Blair at thomasblair5@gmail.com.