On the job: Guernsey Industries provides training, products to local businesses
CAMBRIDGE − The next time you're enjoying a drink at Georgetown Vineyards or eating a burger at the new Deerassic Park campground, pay attention to the handiwork of the picnic and octagon-shaped tables.
They are made locally at Guernsey Industries.
It has been a single nonprofit entity for the last six years, but has serviced the area since the 1970s. While the name has changed a few times, from Golden Rule and GNC, the focus has always been to educate and provide for individuals in the community with developmental disabilities. Services are provided for those age 19 and older, but Executive Director Staci Knouff said, "This is not a stopping point, it's an area where we are going to help you move along your path."
Servicing nearly 60 individuals a day, the organization teaches work skills, socialization skills, and offers recreational opportunities, from job training to trips to Amish county for woodworking inspiration.
"I kind of think of us kind of like teachers. Our titles are direct service professionals, but we teach anything from tying shoes all the way up to helping people make resumes and get jobs out in the community," Knouff said.
Grouped into different settings, there is something for all skill levels. Guernsey Industries has contracts for janitorial services with the Byesville water plant, the sewer plant, the fire department, and the Guernsey County administration building among others.
The individuals on the work floor pack items for Picoma, Cambridge Packaging, Detriot Diesel, and other local factories. A possible new contract is in the works with Kerry Foods in Byesville. Individuals doing the job training get paid minimum wage, and a crew usually consists of no more than two individuals and a GI staff member.
The pallet floor is responsible for the creation of outdoor furniture and pallets for local factories. "It's possible for (individuals) to either go into business for themselves or go into business for a carpentry company or any of the lumber yards. It's really being hands-on, and also it's a trade. We are building furniture, but we are not furniture makers. We like to try new things to stay busy," Knouff added.
Staying busy is something they're good at accomplishing. Nearly 70 picnic tables for the new Deerassic Park campground were created in a single summer and plans are in the works to create benches for the Ohio State Highway Patrol station. Pure Love Bakery ordered a custom bench that became a collaboration between the workers and service professional Tressa Paden.
Guernsey Industries offers several pieces for sale. The prices have increased slightly over last year, as a result of the increase in the cost of lumber, materials and the raise to minimum wage. Some of the items available to order are tomato stakes, children's picnic tables, adult picnic tables, porch swings, park benches, octagon tables, raised flower boxes, and various patio chairs and tables.
The picnic tables, swings and benches all come in varying sizes. Every piece is made to order, to ensure a quality product. Typically turnaround for orders is less than a week, but can be up to two weeks during peak summer production.
The organization will have a booth at the Home, Garden and Business Expo March Friday and Saturday, at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. It will donate one of its large picnic tables to the event raffle and have Easter bunny wood décor items available to purchase.
To learn more about Guernsey Industries, to request service or to place an order, call 740-439-5017.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Guernsey Industries provides training, products to local businesses
