The staff, board of directors and employees of Warren County Sheltered Workshop Inc. celebrated the organization’s 40th anniversary Tuesday, Feb. 22, with lots of fanfare, high-fives and proud smiles.Since 1978, the Warren County Sheltered Workshop has employed individuals with disabilities, offering them a safe, structured environment in which to work.Office manager Jamie Washburn said there are 82 hardworking people employed at the Warren County Sheltered Workshop. The not-for-profit has a variety of customers, providing diversity for its employees who may assemble mouse traps one day and airbag kits another.SAF Holland, MoDOT, Metallic Balloons, Boone Center Inc. and We Crafters Three are just a few of its local customers.Washburn said the organization is always looking for new projects for its employees. Each job is broken down so individuals with disabilities can be successful.“They talk about what they accomplish,” she said. “They feel proud of themselves and feel successful. We are a steppingstone for some people to find other jobs in the future.”Washburn said the workforce is dedicated. They come to work every day. They pay taxes and are highly competitive, trying to beat their record counts from the day before. She said the 14 staff members find working with their employees to be “rewarding, motivating, fulfilling and a privilege.”“We just love them,” she said. “They grab a hold of your heart. They are happy to be here and it is a fun place to work.”Washburn said the organization provides free transportation for its workers, running 12 routes per day. She said about 70 percent of employees would not be able to work without this service.In addition to transportation services, Warren County Sheltered Workshop offers its employees a resource center that was provided by a grant from MFA. The room offers three computer stations with Wi-Fi and a 46-inch screen.At the celebration, three men were honored for being with the company since its inception. Danny Jarvis, Richard Prior and Robert Prior were presented a 40-year plaque for their years of service.Warren County Sheltered Workshop employees also offer grounds maintenance, custodial services, packaging, kiting service, automotive component assembly, woodworking assembly, warehousing, order fulfillment and a variety of other services.The workshop is located at 1760 Daniel Boone Industrial Parkway in Truesdale. For more information, visit www.wcswinc.com.

More than 80 people make up the workforce at Warren County Sheltered Workshop, Inc. The organization celebrated 40 years Thursday, Feb. 22 and is located in Truesdale. Employees are seen assembling mousetraps. 

Record Photo/Cindy Gladden

Paul Vonhoffer, left, and Bob Oden, of Warren County Sheltered Workshop, Inc. assemble brake kits and were happy to explain their job during a tour of the plant Thursday, Feb. 22 on the organization’s 40th anniversary. 

Record Photo/Cindy Gladden

Richard and Robert Prior celebrate the Warren County Sheltered Workshop’s 40th anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 22. The brothers have been with the organization since its inception. Not pictured is Danny Jarvis, also celebrating 40 years. 

Record Photo/Cindy Gladden

Tracye Watson, an employee of the Warren County Sheltered Workshop, makes bows for customer We Crafters Three, a supplier of outdoor yard signs. 

Record Photo/Cindy Gladden