Moving People Towards Jobs
Let me introduce you to the Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County (PWAC). Many of you might already be familiar with the Progressive Workshop, as was I. However, after seeing a Facebook post about their cleaning services, I realized I didn’t know as much about them as I thought I did. I looked up their website and found they have a lot to offer the community.
The Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County was founded in 1968 to provide vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities. Using training programs, trainees learn skills, behaviors, and attitudes to become “independent, employable integral members in their communities so they can achieve an everyday life with purpose and freedom of choice.” Their goal is to “move people toward jobs”.
PWAC offers many services to the community. These services are not only for Armstrong County, but for surrounding counties and communities as well.
Progressive Commercial Cleaning began in 2019 and provides cleaning and janitorial services, such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, lobbies, waiting areas, and much more.
Progressive Document Destruction is the newest division of PWAC, beginning in September 2020. This service offers affordable options for both business and residential customers within a 75-mile radius of Armstrong County. HIPAA compliance regulations are followed when storing and destroying documents. The shredded documents are baled and recycled. For pricing and more information, email documentdescruction@progressiveworkshop.com.
Progressive Lawn & Landscaping is widely known and requested. Lawn services are provided for both residential and commercial customers from April to November. Options for outdoor services include mowing, trimming, leaf clean-up, mulching, and much more. This service can be requested consistently or as needed.
Progressive Wood Works gives trainees the chance to learn a trade. Wood Works began with creating customized pallets and stakes, but now offers an assortment of products and services, including custom boxes, porch swings, picnic benches, and their newest product, custom charcuterie boards. They now have a new website, www.pwacprogressivewoodworks.com, where you can view and purchase items, as well as sign up for updates.
Contract Work is a full production facility employing over 120 people with disabilities! Sub-contract services are available for businesses of all sizes throughout Armstrong County and beyond. Not only will PWAC pick up and deliver your company’s product to you, but they can also provide you with additional manpower for your business’s special projects or as needed. Contract work specializes in assembly, packaging, mailings, and inspection. Using PWAC’s contract work gives them the opportunity to train people with the skills they need to someday go out and find a job within their community.
In addition to the Progressive Workshop’s services, they also offer several programs for people with disabilities to participate in. Community Participation Supports provides trainees an opportunity to go into the community and develop skills for employment as well as volunteer. The Small Group Employment gives trainees a chance to work in the community under staff supervision and earn an hourly income of at least minimum wage. Last, but not least, Supportive Employment allows trainees, with the help of PWAC staff, to find jobs in the community.
Last summer, I purchased garden stakes from Progressive Wood Works and was so pleased with the turnaround time, quality of the wood, and price, as well as the customer service I received. So much so, that I’ll be ordering more this summer! For more information or questions, you can contact PWAC at 724-548-5664, or you can check out their website and Facebook page. If you or your business has a need for a service that PWAC offers, I want to encourage you to contact them. They have a lot to offer and you won’t be disappointed!
All photos used with permission from Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County.
