If you are a business professional who does not have the resources to either: manufacture, package, prototype production, assembly, fabricate, product test, data entry, ship, custom kitting, label, bulk mail, etc. you may need to take a tour at Mid-Hudson Workshop for the Disabled located on Washington Street in Poughkeepsie!
Since their founding in 1948, the Mid-Hudson Workshop for the Disabled has diligently focused on a singular goal: To provide meaningful work for theNew YorkHudsonValley’s Disabled Veterans and other physically and/or medically handicapped residents.
Their staff possesses many valuable skills. As a result, their mission benefits the business community. Why? Because the outsourcing services they provide save dollars and valuable resources for those who contract with them. By doing business with them many firms acknowledge they are supporting the local and regional economies.
Mid-Hudson Workshop’s have helped many clients in the Hudson Valley and well beyond to be more competitive within their respective industries.
The Mid-Hudson Workshop Story
In 1947, an idea was conceived by Dause Bibby, the general manager of IBM, to establish a workshop, modeled after one in Binghamton, which would employ the physically handicapped. With the assistance of Stephen Puff, NYS Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Ben Van Winkler, executive secretary of the Mid-Hudson Industrial Association, an effort was begun “to establish, maintain, manage, and support through public and individual effort and appeal, a place for the employment of persons who are physically handicapped and to provide means, whereby, such people can enter into gainful employment.”
In late 1947, the Poughkeepsie Chamber of Commerce demonstrated how handicapped people could be trained and rehabilitated. In early 1948, the Poughkeepsie Kiwanis Club took over the sponsorship and solicited $3,500 for the initial operating expenses from eight manufacturing concerns and individuals, all of which have since been repaid. Director of Sales & Marketing and Kiwanis Club member, William D. (Bill) DelTosta said both MHW and Kiwanis have since been working very closely together.
A board of directors was set up consisting of leaders in several fields, including industrial, law, medical, education, political, insurance, banking, horticulture, nursing, commerce, retailing, chemical, personnel, and administrative management.
They incorporated Nov. 1948, and on Dec. 13, 1948; the workshop opened with two physically handicapped employees and soon added two more. IBM was always very cooperative and generous in furnishing work to the Mid-Hudson Workshop, as well as similar workshops in other areas. In spring of 1951, as it expanded to 34 people, they moved to Arlington (area of Poughkeepsie). In February 1957, the workshop moved to its present 6,600-square-foot building located onWashington Streetto accommodate its 53 employees.
Since the early 1990s, many new customers have been attracted to the workshop by the quality of the work, dedication of the employees, and the cost savings. These have included Lumb Woodworking, Fargo, Bausch & Lomb, Creative Crates, Naked Earth Distributors, Conklin Instrument Corp., James Taylor Manufacturing, D.C. ARC, KDI Paragon, Pawling Corp., Laerdal Medical Corp., the Harran Group, MPI, Inc., Staff Lighting, Eran Lighting, and the Poughkeepsie Chamber of Commerce.
Bill DelTosta joined MHW in 2008 to bring an aggressive approach to marketing the workshop’s services. As director of sales and marketing, Bill approaches many potential clients and is advising firms that in the current economy, all good business plans should capitalize on outsourcing to help keep costs down and save valuable company resources. “Outsourcing regionally not only keeps those dollars in the Hudson Valley, but provides meaningful work for the disabled,” said Bill.
Contracts with Stamford Scientific International, Inc., A.W. Mack Machine Shop, CSI, IBM Corp., Laerdal Medical Corp., Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union and other area businesses continue the foundation of providing meaningful work for the disabled to enjoy full and productive lives.
The Facility has more than 52,000 sq. ft. with four docks, plus one drive-in 15-by-15 foot bay, three hydraulic dock lifts, and up to 20 ft ceilings in dedicated areas. It is fully heated and air-conditioned, has a sprinkler system throughout its fully alarmed building. The entire facility is wheelchair accessible.
MHW maintains a NYS Agriculture Department Food Preparation license. Article 20-C of the Agriculture and Markets Law authorizes MHW to conduct most types of Wholesale & Retail Food Processing. Should your job require a specialized license or specific machinery, materials or staffing, they will make every effort to promptly fulfill those needs.
They also maintain staffing and necessary tools and techniques to accurately provide for almost any firm’s custom inventory needs. In some cases, clients will recommend their preferred systems for the taking of inventory and as a result will provide MHW with the specific electronic or mechanical means to accomplish the task for them. Laerdal Medical has counted on MHW inventory control for their various medical training kits and other educational products for more than six years.
“We are self sufficient,” says DelTosta, “and do not go to the county, state or federal for any support. It’s the support that comes in the door that keeps us afloat.”
DelTosta invites any business/corporation to take a tour of the facility. “We will save them money and help them for their philanthropic goals.” He adds businesses can save money by using their employees and facility and keep their product(s) made in theU.S.
Other clients include: TARGET Stores; Selux Lighting, Highland, NY; IBM Breumont,Canada, Essex Junction, VT, Fishkill & Poughkeepsie, NY; Stamford Scientific International, Poughkeepsie, NY; CSI Filter Tubing, Allendale, NJ; Pawling Corp., Pawling, NY; Hunt Country Furniture, Wingdale, NY; United Way of Dutchess, Poughkeepsie, NY; Stephen Gould Corp., Whippany, NJ; Laerdal Medical Corp., Wappingers Falls, NY; Ball Chain Manufacturing, Mt. Vernon, NY; A.W. Mack Machine Shop, Poughkeepsie, NY; Naked Earth, North Salem, NY; Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Poughkeepsie, NY and a host of other business both local and out of state.
Kiwanis Club of Poughkeepsie
Kiwanis Clubs focus on changing the world by serving children, one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Poughkeepsie meets Thursdays at 7:45am at the Palace Diner, 194 Washington Ave. Poughkeepsie. Any interested persons who wish to join them are very welcome to do so! “We would love to get new members,” said Bill DelTosta! “We understand people have very busy lives, but whatever little time they have to offer is appreciative.” There are 7 clubs in the area: Newburgh, Kingston, Catskill, Saugerties, Ulster, Poughkeepsie and Beacon/Fishkill.
Kiwanis members are involved in numerous activities within the area including establishing their first bone marrow donation registration back in March of this year (along with Vassar Brother’s Medical Center and Mid-Hudson Workshop for the Disabled) at the Dyson Center for Cancer Care at Vassar Medical Center. “They were very helpful,” said Bill DelTosta. “We put up posters all around the area to promote the event.” Members plan to hold another registration next March 17, 2012 (St. Patrick’s Day) at an area college. To donate one only has to have their mouth swabbed – no painful needle in the hip!
They are also involved with Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Gang Camp that serves children and their families coping with cancer, sickle cell anemia, and other serious illnesses; Meals On Wheels; offering scholarships to high school seniors, and many other events which help children and adults of the community.
For more information, please visit http://Poughkeepsiekiwanis.org
