Garten Services, located in Salem, Oregon, was founded in 1970 by Sallie Gearhart to serve children with disabilities and their families who, at that time, did not have access to public education. In 1975 education became a right for all children, regardless of needs. At that time, Garten began to focus on adults with disabilities to create social and employment opportunities so that when children with special needs completed their education, there would be a place for them to work, socialize and recreate. Over time, Garten has developed employment services in custodial, landscaping, commercial laundry, printing and mail services and, most significantly, recycling.
This year a $176,500 Trust grant was made to Garten to support the purchase of new screening equipment at its recycling facility in Salem. This investment in modern machinery will neatly blend automation and human labor, which will ultimately provide better paying jobs to Garten’s employees.
We are proud to partner in Garten’s mission to support and empower people with disabilities as they contribute to their communities.
The post In Pursuit of Dignity: Garten Services appeared first on M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust.