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In 1963, CWI began as Community Workshop, Inc. serving a humble contingent of six community individuals in a sheltered employment setting. Fifty years later, CWI has changed its name to Community, Work and Independence, Inc. to better reflect the range of programs and services offered. Today CWI assists 1,200 individuals at nearly 40 locations across four counties. In addition, the not-for-profit organization has grown to become one of the largest employers in the area with over 700 employees and an annual operating budget of nearly $25 million resulting in a substantial impact on the region’s economy.

CWI has worked to bring about positive change and hope for many. A cornerstone in communities across the four-county region, CWI has transformed the lives of numerous individuals with disabilities and other barriers. CWI offers a myriad of services to meet the needs of people who are developmentally and learning disabled, medically frail, brain injured, economically disadvantaged and individuals with other challenges. CWI supports these individuals who strive to be productive and meaningful members of their local community by building a foundation which allows individuals to springboard toward a higher level of independence. Independence may equate to CWI helping individuals find and sustain employment, become involved with volunteer opportunities, partake in recreational opportunities, learn independent living skills, and promote self-advocacy, to name a few.

CWI’s program participants assisted by support staff volunteer over 12,000 hours a year to benefit more than 50 organizations in our four county service area. Some examples of their volunteer work includes cleaning local churches and firehouses as well as delivery of 1,500 meals a month for the Meals on Wheels program in Warren and Washington counties. Additionally, they volunteer at regional food pantries, nursing homes, schools, hospitals, horse sanctuaries, SPCA and Salvation Army, just to name a few.