Welcoming Our Sheltered Workshops

The 102nd General Assembly is fully underway and the Capitol is abuzz with activity. The halls are packed as people from all across the state come to share their views on proposed legislation and to ask us to address issues that impact them. It’s an exciting time, and I especially enjoy the opportunity to meet with folks who travel from the 33rd Senatorial District. Believe me, I know it’s a long drive to Jefferson City, and I truly appreciate the commitment of everyone who makes the effort to come to the Capitol. 

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with visitors who came to advocate on behalf of sheltered workshops. Our sheltered workshops have a special mission, providing opportunities for adults with developmental, physical and intellectual disabilities in Missouri. Our program is a model program and unique compared to similar programs in other states. Every day sheltered workshops help thousands of adults with disabilities across the state experience the pride of success, the dignity of being valued and the fulfillment of accomplishment.

More than 5,400 individuals are employed at 87 sheltered workshops throughout Missouri. In addition to earning a wage, each of these individuals also gains a sense of accomplishment, independence and belonging. Businesses nationwide utilize Missouri’s workshops for services that range from packaging, custom assembly and cleaning. Many of Missouri’s workshops operate recycling programs, retail shops and other visible efforts to better their community. Still other workshops manufacture their own original products, helping expand business opportunities. 

We currently have five sheltered workshops within the 33rd Senatorial District: DOCO Inc. in Douglas County, Ozark Sheltered Industries in Howell County, Three Rivers Sheltered Industries in Shannon County, Tantone Industries of Taney County and Opportunity Sheltered Industries in Texas County. Each of these facilities provides disabled individuals a place to contribute and be part of a larger community.

I was blessed to meet with DOCO’s director Dawn Cox and Sharon Tyger of Opportunity Sheltered Industries this week as they visited the Capitol. I truly believe the 33rd Senatorial District is blessed with some of the best sheltered workshops in the state, and I’m thrilled for the good work they continue to do. Sheltered workshops will always be a priority for me, and I promise to advocate for the good work they’re doing and for their members. It was good to see their smiling faces in Jefferson City, and I can’t wait to get back in the district and see them in action again.

It is my honor to serve the residents of Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Shannon, Stone, Taney and Texas counties in the Missouri Senate, and it’s always a pleasure to hear from friends and family back home. If I can help you in any way, please call my Capitol Office at 573-751-1882.  You can also visit my webpage senate.mo.gov/Eslinger, on Facebook: @SenatorKarlaEslinger, or follow me on Twitter: @seneslingermo.