The Meadows Blog

The Meadows Center for Opportunity is a non-profit foundation that offers employment and vocational training to men and women with developmental disabilities and other intellectual and physical challenges. Our mission is to provide the opportunity for adults to work in a safe and supervised setting where they can maximize their existing strengths and abilities while they learn new skills that can benefit them in the future.  

For more than three decades our organization has been blessed with consistent success, due in large part to the incredible loyalty of our customers. They have been unwavering in their support of our efforts to make a difference through meaningful employment. We could not be a positive force for people with disabilities without their help.  

Some of our customers use us specifically because of the individuals we hire. They want to be part of something that adds value to the community and that plays an important role in the lives of people who are often marginalized. Others use our services because of the exceptionally high quality of our work and our affordable pricing structure, but no matter what their motivation, we are extremely grateful for each of the more than 3,000 customers statewide who choose the Meadows for their secure data destruction.   

Obviously their patronage gives us the ability to ensure that our employees receive a steady paycheck, but it provides so much more than just financial stability. It also gives adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to be successful which builds their self-esteem and self-confidence. It gives them a sense of acceptance as they work as part of a team for a common goal. It allows them to experience the dignity of work. 

The businesses, government agencies, schools, medical facilities, law firms and other organizations that use us for their shredding needs are truly partners in our mission to change lives. Without their ongoing support we would not be able maintain our commitment to hire people who are frequently ignored in the job market, but who sincerely want to work - and have the right to work.

The individuals we employ have achieved and accomplished far more than many believed was possible, and our customers deserve a great deal of the credit for acting on their conviction that adults with intellectual challenges deserve to work. Their continuing support allows our organization to consistently maintain a standard of excellence that is the direct result of the amazing efforts of our employees.

The jobs that our customers help to provide are an important part of the lives of those who are among the most vulnerable in our society. These men and women take great pride in having the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. Their complete dedication in doing their work correctly and efficiently gives us the flexibility to meet deadlines and to adjust to any other special requirements that might be needed.  

Over the years some of our customers have also made contributions to our annual fundraiser, which typically generates between $50,000 and $60,000 dollars. That money is used to purchase new equipment and to upgrade our facility so that we can continue to provide the most professional service possible. We are grateful for the corporate compassion they show in their ongoing commitment to the individuals we employ.   

Unfortunately it is quite easy for a business to think of their customers as faceless non-human entities and vice versa. But in reality, both sides of the transaction are composed of a diverse collection of people all sharing the same hopes, dreams and aspirations. What is different about those who choose to do business with us is their ability to see the humanity of the individuals we employ. They understand that every person should be accepted for who they are, without judgment, regardless of the particular issues they face. They realize that adults with developmental disabilities deserve to have the opportunity to succeed and should not be denied that chance because of a diagnosis. And they believe they have a responsibility to organizations like ours who are providing the structure necessary to allow people with intellectual challenges to achieve their very best.

Through their willingness to embrace the beauty and power of diversity, and by providing the dignity and respect that people with disabilities deserve, our clientele set a powerful example for others to follow.   

On behalf of our management team, our staff and the incredible men and women we employ, the Meadows would like to express our deepest thanks and sincerest appreciation to our customers for supporting our mission through the years.

We look forward to working together in the future.