PSU Magazine Fall 1994

Providing Opportunities tor Lile WITH THE HELP OF LOTTERY DOLLARS T he adults with disabilities working for Riverside Industries in St. Helens receive more than a paycheck for packaging items such as nail care products and powdered beer. With a wide range of mental and physical disabilities, Riverside's 62 employees are vital members of the St. Helens community. Living in group homes or apartments managed by Riverside, the personal independence they enjoy is just a portion of Riverside's program which also as local events and activities. With the help of a grant from Lottery dol– lars, the non-profit company has expanded and diversified. "Creating jobs is a critical part of what we do because there are not a lot of employment options out there for adults with severe disabilities," said Al Soenneker, executive director of the non-profit company. "But the key to our success doesn't involve money - it's the people who make includes transportation to work as well It DoesGood Things the difference."