Jobs workshop expands into county
EAST BUTLER — A long-running Armstrong County nonprofit that helps people with disabilities get jobs is expanding into Butler County.
Executives for the Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County recently signed a lease for a property at the corner of Grant Avenue and East Butler Road. Signs indicating the 501(c)(3) organization's arrival should go up at some point in November, when the lease begins. It is expected to open early next year.
Michelle Reefer, the group's CEO, said Butler County seemed like a logical next step for the group as it grows. It has a physical presence only in Armstrong County.
“It's a great area, and there's lots of opportunity and potential for growth,” Reefer said.
The group takes referrals from social organizations for people with various disabilities, whether physical, mental or emotional. They're provided vocational training and rehabilitation, and eventually placed in small groups to begin working and collecting paychecks.
Their groups, according to vice president of production and community based services Bogie Goughler, work jobs in fields such as lawn care and commercial property cleaning. In Butler County, they already provide cleaning services for Penn United Technologies.
Reefer said she usually pitches her nonprofit not only as one that provides important services, but also one that benefits the local economy.
“This is an untapped employment avenue,” Reefer said. “It's a win for your company and a win for people with disabilities.”
The office in Butler County will serve as a home base for both lawn care and cleaning. It will be serving all of Butler County, but is launching with a focus on the general area around the city of Butler.
Progressive Workshop provides transportation to and from home for the workers. They are paid at least minimum wage, Reefer said, and in many cases more. Each small group of workers is sent with a supervisor.
Goughler said customers frequently are amazed by the quality of work.
“I've got a guy on one crew that can take an engine apart and put it back together exactly right,” Goughler said. “We have people with real skills.”
The nonprofit's end goal is to equip its workers with a skill set that lets them compete in the local job market without assistance. They hope to produce independent contractors, Reefer said.
Progressive Foundation was founded in 1968.
Businesses interested in contracting services from Progressive Workshop should contact Goughler via his office line at 724-548-5664 or email at bogiegoughler@progressiveworkshop.com.
