FEATURED BUSINESS

Founded in 1965 the original mission of CIC Community Industries Corporation was to “provide a place of employment for people with disabilities.” Since that time, CIC’s efforts have evolved to provide a valuable service of integrating people with disabilities into the workplace and the community.

Employing a trained and dedicated staff of 77 employees, CIC served 302 clients/families in 2007 in one or more of three key areas:

Employment Services help businesses that are seeking qualified employees to expand and support a more diverse workforce.

Day Services enable those with disabilities to get involved in their community by connecting their abilities to their community. Day Services also develops and supports successful community participation by persons with disabilities.

Respite Services gives families a break by caring for a child or adult with a disability, giving the caregiver the opportunity to schedule a doctor’s appointment, take a job related class, attend an event with another child or enjoy dinner out with a spouse.

CIC also offers transportation services to assist their clients in getting to and from jobs, volunteer sites, stores and other locations.

Another service that CIC has had in operation since 1966 is the Pallet Division. Located in a 20,000 sq. ft. plant in Plover equipped with 5 loading docks, this experienced staff produces 10 – 20 semi loads of pallets monthly for area businesses. In 2005 “Heat Treatment” equipment was added allowing CIC pallets to be used for shipping to other countries. Offering this new process to others as a separate service has also expanded work for the people served.

In 2007, nearly 90 area businesses worked with CIC to fill their employment needs by hiring employees with disabilities. These motivated, dependable workers are involved in office/clerical duties, retail services such as cashiering and stocking, as well as food service and housekeeping jobs. CIC encourages more businesses to participate in this program and offers no cost on-the-job training assistance, assistance with job restructuring and post hire follow-up.

Always looking for and retaining good respite providers is essential to providing the kind of care families want for their loved ones. CIC believes in family empowerment and will orient and employ family friends and relatives as providers at the family’s request. Because Respite Services is handled on a “family request” basis, CIC works hard to meet each request. Families always have the choice of scheduling the providers on their own or allowing CIC to handle the arrangements for them.

Funding for CIC’s operating budget comes from a variety of sources including several government agencies, net sales of products and services such as pallets, from the United Way and contributions from the community. These funds support the seven area facilities CIC operates in as well as the services/programs they provide.

What originally began as a place of employment for six individuals with disabilities, CIC now offers multiple programs and services to over 290 individuals. For more information about CIC Community Industries Corporation, visit their website at www.communityindustries.org or call 715-344-4563.

Facts to Note
CIC Community Industries Corporationߪ

Employment Services assisted 176 residents of Portage County to get and retain jobs in 2007.

Transportation Services provided 340,000 miles of specialized transportation to clients in 2007.

Day Services assisted 46 residents to participate in community life while maintaining their living arrangements.

Respite Services provided 27,500 hours of temporary relief from care giving for 80 families who have a household member with a disability.

CIC is the first official member of the Portage County Business Council, joining the organization January 1, 1976. Thank you for being first!