93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
The longtime executive director of a Columbia sheltered workshop says the self-esteem and dignity of work means everything to his employees.
Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises (CMSE) executive director Bruce Young recently hosted Missouri’s Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe at CMSE. Mr. Young says Kehoe’s visit underscores the importance of CMSE’s commitment to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities through employment opportunities.
“And they are the most dedicated hard-working workers you can imagine. They are just wonderful, and we just got such a great group. I’m hoping we can get more work for them because it is a struggle to find work for our guys,” Mr. Young says.
CMSE’s sheltered workshop and greenhouse on South Bearfield has been in operation since 1969. Mr. Young tells 939 the Eagle that about 105 employees work there. Young appreciates a recent visit from Missouri’s lieutenant governor. CMSE’s Young took Lt. Governor Kehoe and his wife Claudia on a tour of their facility, warehouse and greenhouse near Grindstone Parkway.
“Mike has been such a supporter of (the) Missouri sheltered workshop program. And we employ over 5,000 employees across the state. But he has been an avid supporter of what we do and we can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for us,” says Young.
CMSE, which has about 105 employees, subcontracts for several Columbia-area employers, including 3M, Watlow and American Outdoor.
