Springfield Workshop, Inc.

Until the early 1950's there were virtually no vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities who could not maintain competitive employment in the State of Missouri. These individuals, who possessed a great number of skills and qualities, were often kept in state institutions or simply stayed at home. Men and women assisted with chores around home and occasionally were employed, but for the most part, thousands of potential employees missed out on the opportunity to experience the feelings of self worth, the socialization and the income of employment. And businesses missed out on the contribution of some very competent employees who could have been productive, tax-paying members of our community.

In 1957, a group of dedicated parents began what was to eventually become Springfield Workshop, Inc. These determined individuals began with an old house that had been donated, a small group of employees with disabilities and an all volunteer staff.

In 1965, important government legislation gave birth to vocational opportunities for people with disabilities. The 73rd General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 52, which established the Extended Employment Sheltered Workshop Program. The law directed the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Section of Sheltered Workshops, to assist communities which demonstrated interest in providing extended employment for their citizens with disabilities. Through this program, less productive workers who were generally kept out of the work force, because of what they couldn't do, were now paid for the amount of work they could produce.

In 1966, a general manager was hired and re-organization took place. The operation relocated to a warehouse on College Street with 12 employees and Springfield Workshop, Inc. was born. The Workshop again relocated, this time to an empty motor supply building on what used to be Olive and Benton Streets. The number of employees steadily increased along with public awareness of the workshop.

In 1972, a new 30,000 square foot facility was built to accommodate the increased number of employees and to provide a clean new facility from which to operate. A 15,000 square foot warehouse was soon added to the structure. Consistent growth over the years mandated the need for additional expansion. In 1992, another building addition increased Springfield Workshop to the 70,000 square feet. In 1995, a Capital Campaign was launched to raise funds to improve the working conditions and accessibility standards for our employees. Air conditioning was added, new restroom facilities were built, and new lighting and refinished interior walls completed this project.

Springfield Workshop has experienced vast changes over the years. What began with 12 employees and one project is now more than 230 employees with multiple projects for local Springfield area manufacturing and distribution companies. Springfield Workshop employees perform a variety of jobs, including high volume specialized packaging, precision labeling, collating, light assembly, and document imaging.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce selected Springfield Workshop as one of three finalists for their prestigious Manufacturer of the Year award in 2007.

This success can be attributed to the efforts of many parents, staff, board members, volunteers, other concerned individuals in the community, and most of all to the hard work and dedication of the employees of Springfield Workshop.