Community Industries Corporation enhances opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in community life as valued workers, neighbors and family members. CIC believes that Portage County is enriched by the presence and active participation of all of its citizens. All people have contributions to make that benefit community organizations and endeavors.

Description:
Community Industries provides Day, Respite, Transportation and Employment Services to individuals with disabilities. The Respite Division provides services to individuals regardless of age. All other divisions serve only individuals 18 years of age and older. In 2004, CIC received grant money to carry out a project involving Portage County residents. The project is intended to improve employment services for individuals with disabilities. Through the project, an Employer Advisory Board was formed and meets on a regular basis to discuss issues important to area employers as well as assist consumers in securing employment.

History:
Community Industries was established in 1965 as a means to "provide a place of employment for people with disabilities". It originally operated as the "Portage County Sheltered Workshop" and served six individuals. In 1973, the agency's name was changed to "Community Industries Corporation". Since then, Community Industries has acquired seven satellite sites in the community. Most of the satellite sites are Day Service centers. However, CIC also operates a Pallet Manufacturing plant in Plover and houses its Transportation Department on Algoma Street in Stevens Point. In 2004, 236 consumers received individualized services through Community Industries Corporation. 102 of those consumers are employed within Portage County Businesses and receive ongoing support.

Contact people:

Leslie Smith, Day Services Division Manager, (phone), (email) Paul Rice, President, (phone), (email) Alex Reichl, Employment Services Division Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (715) 344-4250

Address:

41 Park Ridge Dr. Stevens Point, WI 54481 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.communityindustries.org

Directions:

The main office for CIC is located on Hwy. 10 in Park Ridge, across the street from Silver Coach Restaurant.   Nearest Bus Stop: Bus will drop off at CIC at your request.

Overall Experience   
Haven't volunteered

They just hired me for the new Training Specialist position at the Pallet Division in Plover. We'll see how it goes and I'll get back here to post further info... posted on November 30, 2005