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Workshop News Stresses More Than “Just” Jobs
The Madison County Workshop in Fredericktown was the recent focus of a great feature article in the Daily Journal by staff writer Victoria Kemper.
As the author noted at the start, “The workshop is more than a place of employment; it is a team, a family and a great place to go thrift shopping.”
The article especially focused on the thrift shopping, which began in 2019 as an addition to the workshop that would offer great deals to the community and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
"Not only does the Thrift Shop provide income to keep the workshop open, but it also provides the individuals with work skills," workshop Director Scott Bates explained. "From basic home skills, like folding clothes, all the way up to running the cash register, stocking shelves, sorting clothes." He added that workers also build their social skills and confidence.
Like many workshops in Missouri, Madison County has experienced reductions in traditional work for other businesses due to supply chain disruption and other factors, so the thrift store revenue is welcome. Bates said that rural shops, especially, have been impacted. Developing independent business efforts like thrift shops, original products and more are a widespread response.
And while there are challenges for workshop staff, Bates noted several rewards, including working alongside people with disabilities. He says a big reason is that workshop employees generally love coming to work. "We have an amazing work ethic,” he said in the article. “These individuals love to work. They love to be here. They love to give back to the community. They just need help with that skill to do the job."
To see the complete article, visit this link.