Baker Industries, a nonprofit workforce development program with locations in both Malvern and Kensington, annually employs around 200 people, the majority of whom are adults with disabilities, writes Erin Arvedlund for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Charles and Louise Baker started the program almost 40 years ago as a small direct-mail business to provide a job for their son, Justin, and other neurodivergent adults.

Since then, the business has grown significantly. Hundreds of adults who work there perform light industrial work, including packaging, shrink-wrapping, and mailing for more than 80 companies in the Philadelphia area.

Employees are also given the opportunity to take part in workshops, coaching, and training aimed at helping them achieve career goals. As a result, every year, between 25 and 35 employees move on to jobs in the mainstream economy.

“Our program makes a real difference in reducing poverty and strengthening families and communities,” said Rich Bevan, Baker’s president.

Baker provides full-time and part-time work at federal minimum wage. The company has also recently started offering workforce integration for other adults who have trouble finding employment, such as those with criminal convictions or substance-use disorders.

Read more about Baker Industries in The Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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