In 1998 AtWork! was created as a result of the merger of Custom Industries (CI) and Community Enterprises of Issaquah (CEI). CI, established in 1962 was Bellevue based and operated two sheltered workshop programs in Bellevue and Kenmore. It was the older and largest of the two programs. Additionally CI operated janitorial and landscaping crews operating out of a small facility in Shoreline. CEI was a smaller organization primarily known in Issaquah, established in 1965. It operated a recycling center that was enthusiastically supported by the local community and a sheltered workshop employing primarily individuals who had graduated from the Issaquah School District.

Thirty years ago when people with disabilities were released from institutions AtWork! was there to provide training. People wove pot holders and other cottage industry work for pennies. It was state-of-the-art. AtWork! was a leader. Soon those workers were saying, “Help us get good jobs, real work, doing important things just like others do at work.”

The Supported Employment movement emerged in the early 90’s and again AtWork! was a leader, launching new enterprises (janitorial, landscaping, assembly, recycling) that to this day provide jobs, training in marketable skills, and wages. Businesses saw new value in diversity. Astute companies hired the first people with disabilities and enjoyed enhanced profits and demonstrated community leadership.

AtWork! has come to realize that, through our efforts to serve those that others classified as unemployable, we have created our own institution within our workshop and crew services. These individuals want a chance at the dream too, to be in the community, earning higher wages in the workplace.

AtWork! has embarked on a new course to provide jobs for everyone served through Customized Employment: real jobs, paying real wages. We are integrating our own workforce, employing non-disabled workers as well as workers with disabilities in our enterprises. We are placing people in their unique place in the community workforce. Those who have been denied access to the workforce will achieve real integration and earn a paycheck.