2023 2024
ANNUA REPORT
Preparedby: Presentedby: MollyRowan
L.MichelleReefer Development& CommunicationAssistant ChiefExecutiveOfficer
The Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County was founded in 1968 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to provide job training and opportunities to adults with disabilities. In the 56 years since then, PWAC has grown substantially from a small organization serving two clients and employing three staff members to the expansive agency it is today PWAC currently provides vocational rehabilitation services to 124 clients and employees from across Butler, Armstrong, and Indiana counties, employs 66 staff members, and provides a wide range of programs and services for the benefit of the individuals and the communities it serves
Our mission is to provide a safe, positive, and nurturing environment to enable individuals to develop skills and behaviors to become independent, employable, and integral members of their communities so they can achieve everyday lives with purpose and freedom of choice as they move toward jobs.
WHERE WE ARE NOW from our CEO
Hello PWAC Supporters,
We are glad to present you with another annual report to showcase a few successes, exciting changes, and moments of growth and celebration from the last fiscal year!
PWAC is proud to have remained true to our mission of guiding adults with disabilities to community employment and inclusion, and we were particularly excited by the furtherance of this mission when we began the process of opening a new Adult Achievement Center location in Leechburg, PA this past year. On September 30, we finally opened the AAC Leechburg for services and are currently looking to hire new staff and accepting client referrals! We look forward to this great development in our organization and the impact it will have in the lives of our new clients and their families
With the 2023-2024 fiscal year now behind us, we are glad to look back and recognize what we did well, what needs to improve, and where we are today.
Last year, we made significant strides toward some of our agency goals, were awarded $149,332 in grant funding, hired new staff members, and saw many of our clients and employees develop new skills, make connections, and find jobs.
In the following pages of this report, we are glad to share more with you about where we are today after another year serving those with disabilities in our local communities. Up to this point and into the future, it is people like YOU who make our mission possible, and we are very grateful for every contribution of time, resources, and funding that you have made to us over the years while including adults with disabilities in your own personal mission. We hope this report will demonstrate to you just how important you are to PWAC, and how together, we can continue to “Move People Toward Jobs ”
Si l
L. Michelle Reefer, Chief Executive Officer
our agency ’ s
ENROLLMENT SNAPSHOT
Client and employee enrollment numbers at the start and end of the year in each of our programs:
Individuals
We strategize a Quality Management Plan every three years to help us monitor our programs and improve our services using a variety of measures. By creating goals involving everything from client and staff member satisfaction to incident management and employment increases, we work to ensure that the work we do is of the utmost quality for the benefit of the clients and employees we serve
progressing toward our
GOALS
Get a glimpse of our progress toward our employment goals for our 2022-2025 Quality Management Plan.
GOAL 1: ADD 3 SMALL GROUP EMPLOYMENT CREWS BY 2025 (FOR A TOTAL OF 10 CREWS)
Progress: 1 short of goal
GOAL 2: ENROLL 6 MORE INDIVIDUALS INTO SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT BY 2025 (FOR A TOTAL OF 15)
Progress: 1 short of goal
DONORS & SPONSORS
A Mano Eatery
Adam & Michelle Grafton
Amby, Anne, Amberson, Lily, & Lucas Bauer
Amy Ford
Anonymous Donor
Armstrong Beer Distributing Co
Armstrong County Building & Loan
Arnold B. & Christine
M Moss Fund
Beverly Cogley & Jennifer Ross
Billie Shields
Bob & Sonie Mervis
Bob Reesman
Bogie & Jenn Goughler
Brad & Martha Hellein
Brad, Kelly, Allison, & Brooke Bauer
Candace Burke
Carl Reisacher
Carmen & JoEllen Vergari
Carol Hooks
Charles and Kirsten Echnoz
Charles Beale
Chris Dilick
Chris Evans
Christine Moss
Christopher & Tina Mohney
Claire & Patricia Reefer
Concordia Lutheran Ministries
Cook Medical & Employees
Cousins Realty Group LLC
Damien & Cynthia Bracken
Daniel & Nancy Gallagher
David & Linda Kuruc
David Brink
Deborah Gray
Diane Rairigh
Donna Klaput
Donna Oberlander
Edna Logue
Edward & Garnet Ludwick
Edward & Sherry Echnoz
Emmanuel Heilman Lutheran Church
Fidelity Charitable
Fraternal Order of Eagles #606
Garrett & Molly Rowan
Genelle Dunn
Glenn & Connie Yoakum
Helen Snyder
IMA ESS
Jack & Sue Bauer
Jack and Kristin Steiner
Jacqueline Borkoski
James & Amy Swast
James Dickey
James Moore
James Owen
James Szalankiewicz
James Ternent, Jr
James Wojton
Jaymie Oliver
Jean Ruffaner
Jeffrey & Donna Shea
Jeffrey Bauer
Jeremy Dias & Joe Pittman
Jill McMeekin
Jill Smelko
John & Andrea Olkowski
Jonathan & Nancy Pierce
Joseph & Sandra Sgriccia
Joseph Gaggini
Josephine Natoli
Judith Ann Pacuch
Karen Waugaman
Kathy Snyder
Kelly Ballock
Kenneth and Mary Valasek
Kittanning Rotary Club
Kosciuszko Polish Patriotic
Social Club
L. Suzanne Meneely
Lauren Judge
Leah Watt
Leechburg Rotary Club
Leechburg-Gilpin Lions Club
Linda Stahl
Lois Daub
LPL Financial
LuAnn Frerotte
Lynn Ramage
Lynn Sibley
Mark Abranovic
Mark and Margaret Stitt
Mike & Michelle Reefer
Mr. & Mrs. Frank E. Zboran
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Nelson
Nancy Pierce
NexTier Bank
NexTier Bank
Nicholas & Lisa Kuchta
Nicholas and Juanita Caruso
Pamela Joan Wilson
Patricia DeStefano
Paul & Joyce Manns
Paul & Mildred Kovacik
Paul & Sharon Bradigan
Paul C Manns
Paul Wolfe
Paula Caruso LaStrapes
Pinkerton/Popp Family
Polish Falcons Nest 159
Raymond A Boarts Fund
Richard & Nancy Walker
Robert & Kim Leone
Robert & Virginia Bullers
Thank you for supporting our operations and further development over the last year!
2024 Golf Outing Sponsors & donors
Rodger & Tina Lane
Roger Elkin
Ron & Pat Weiss
Ronald & Marlene Blystone
Rose Freeman
S Darl & Marian Morrison
S P A R C Inc
Samuel & Andrea Cross
Sandra McIlwain
Schaeffer Tire
Scott & Michelle Rothwell
Scott Reedy
Shafer's HVAC
Shawn & Kim Smith
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Stephen & Gretchen Black
Sue Betres
Tees-N-Tops
The Arc of Armstrong County
The Essential Foundation
The Meredith Inn
Theo Rickert
Thomas & Sandra Bradigan
Thomas & Suzanne Zalenski
Thomas and Diane Hahn
Timothy & Theresa Moore
Tom & Sandy Durbin
Union Avenue United Methodist Church
United Way
Valerie Ripple
Walker Motor Company
Watt Insurance Agency
Willanna M. DiCiero Memorial Fund
William & Marjorie Hollenbaugh
William Bridge
William Hughes
Tuesday Women's Study Group
Members at First UMC:
Sally Krozely
Valerie Ripple
Lorie Williamson
Patty Bruno
Chris Moss
Donna Lazan
Janet McKelvey
Jordan’s Ice Cream
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park
Widnoon Ice Cream
Anchor Distributors
Margaritas Mexican Bar & Grill
Shop N Save
Ace Hardware
True Value
Ford City Beer Distributor
Lighthouse Foundation
Advanced Auto
Mel’s Pizza
The Mariner
Elevated Hair Company
Cook Medical
Rosebud Mining Company
Ford Office Technologies
Edward Jones
Elderton State Bank
Penn United Technological
David C Kohl Family Fund (through the Armstrong County Community Foundation)
NexTier Bank
Thermo Twin Windows
Dilick’s 5th Avenue Jewelry
East Vandergrift Lithuanian Club
Watt Insurance Agency
Bradigan’s Inc
Polish Falcon’s Nest 159
Anonymous Donation
Friends of Joe Pittman
Century Heritage
Woodside Plumbing
Meredith Inn
UCIP
Mantini Funeral Home Inc
Davevic/Acrisure
Armstrong Eye Care Associates
Schaeffer’s Tires
Snyder Crissman Funeral Home
Tees-N-Tops
Naser Foods
A Mano Eatery
SGK Print (formerly IDL)
Lanco Electric
Armstrong Beer Distributing Co.
Kittanning FOE Aerie #896
BP Elks #203
Fox’s Pizza (Rural Valley)
Kittanning Moose Lodge 137
Christ Rupp Lutheran Church
Dr Nancy Kennedy
Latin American Beneficial Society
Shafer’s HVAC
Steiner Sacco Law
Klingensmith’s Drug Store
Phil Fitts Ford
Young Living
Apollo Trust
Maher Duessel
Butler County Chamber of Commerce
Beham’s Garage Doors
Charity Scramble Integrity Inc
Herr’s
Pittsburgh Steelers
Shady Rays
Snyder Industries
Iron Element Tattoo Shop
Whiskey Joe’s
Gardner’s Candies
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Giant Eagle
Good’s Tires
Venango Coon & Fox Club
Sharp Shooters Bar & Brill
Cicero’s Bar & Grill
Comprehensive Hiring & Staffing Solutions
Road Side Restaurant
Shelocta Beer Outlet
Meredith Inn
Smoking Joe’s House of Q
Armstrong Comfort Solutions
Ford Flowers
GRANTS
PWAC was awarded a total of $149,332 in grant funding from July 2023 to June 2024! We have started and/or completed several important projects for the benefit of our agency and those we serve thanks to the generosity of these granting trusts and foundations
Armstrong CountyCommunity Foundation
Funding from the ACCF supported us in hiring Hoffer’s Video Productions to create two informational videos about PWAC’s mission, programs, and services
Find our “Progressive Workshop” channel on YouTube to watch!
Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust
With funding from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, we:
Purchased a new 15-passenger van for our Progressive Transportation Service. Started a new IT services contract with Ford Office Technologies, Inc. Upgraded needed lawncare equipment for Progressive Lawn and Landscaping. Provided required trainings for all staff members.
Aetna Inc.
With funding from Aetna, we:
Purchased two Newline Touch Display smart boards to be used by our staff and clients/employees for instruction and lesson activities, especially those related to health and nutrition topics.
Margaret Patton Foundation
With funding from the Margaret Patton Foundation, we:
Purchased nine new iPads to be used by our staff members Provided new uniform T-shirts to all staff members and clients/employees
Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation
Funding from the Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation allowed us to purchase a new automated external defibrillator and a range of other needed supplies and sensory items to be used at our Adult Achievement Center locations in Kittanning and Leechburg.
a few of the year ’ s
CHANGES & SUCCESSES
55th “Emerald” Anniversary
In September 2023, we gathered at the Meredith Inn in Kittanning with many local community supporters to celebrate PWAC’s 55th anniversary of operations. It was great to reflect on how far PWAC has come since 1968, and to appreciate the many people in our local communities who support PWAC so well
“Trainees” “Employees”
This year, we began referring to the “trainees” in our programs as “employees” We made this change because it better acknowledges
the individuals in our programs who complete work projects as part of their job training and are paid by PWAC This term also distinguishes our “employees” from our “clients,” who are the individuals enrolled in programming at PWAC who do not work to earn a wages as part of their training. We’re glad to make this change! For us, it signifies an ongoing respect for those we serve and a desire to acknowledge their roles and accomplishments within our agency.
Golf Scramble
PWAC hosted our third annual “Grip It & Rip It” Golf Scramble on Saturday, June 22! It was a wonderful day that garnered $15,000+ in support from our generous sponsors and donors (listed on page 8) for our Client/Employee Activity Fund!
Progressive Wood Works
Progressive Wood Works started making custom boards this year! These large, handcrafted boards, which can be custom designed to include names and a date, make great wedding gifts
New Adult Achievement Center
At the beginning of 2024, we began the process of opening a second Adult Achievement Center in Leechburg, PA. This new location will provide training and instruction opportunities to adults with disabilities in the southern Armstrong County area. The AAC Leechburg finally opened on September 30, 2024 and is now hiring more staff and accepting referrals for new clients! We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on individuals and families in the region.
FEATURED EMPLOYEES
learn about a few of our employees who are excelling this year!
Tim is always busy! He does assembly work with our Pre-Vocational program, he cleans for Progressive Commercial Cleaning as part of our Small Group Employment program, AND he works a few days a week as a dishwasher at the Meredith Inn in Kittanning as part of our Supported Employment program! He is excelling in his programs, and we love to see him in action Amazing job, Tim, keep up the great work!
Evan started his journey with PWAC at our Adult Achievement Center in Kittanning Now, he works for Progressive Lawn and Landscaping as part of our Small Group Employment program. Evan is also involved in the community working for the local fire department. We’re proud of your progress, Evan!
When Hannah started at PWAC, no one could have expected how much she would excel! Hannah receives job training in PWAC’s Small Group Employment program at our location in Shelocta, PA She works on crews for Progressive Lawn and Landscaping, Progressive Commercial Cleaning, and Progressive Document Destruction. Her staff say she is a “model worker.” Great job Hannah, we are proud of your work ethic and accomplishments!
more employees
PWAC thanks you for your support of our agency in the past year. and now, we look forward to the year ahead!
THE PWAC TEAM
Our Board of Directors
Lynn Sibley (President)
Rob Watt (Vice President)
Chris Yanoff (Secretary)
Sonie Mervis (Treasurer)
Ted Breuer (Emeritus)
LuAnne Frerotte
Our Management
Linda Kuruc
Lee Walker
Gene Hughes
Justin Snow
James Swast
Dina Blake
Amy Ford
Nancy Kennedy
Chris Evans
Joe Felschow
L. Michelle Reefer, Chief Executive Officer
Kim Smith, Chief Fiscal Officer
Jennifer Goughler, Vice President of Administration and Development
Kim C. Savoie, Vice President of Programs
Jennifer Wingard, Vice President of Compliance
Bogie Goughler, Vice President of Production and Community-Based Services
Christin Pierce, Director of Community-Based Services
Bob Cook, Assistant Director of Community-Based Services
Kim Leone, Director of Benefits and Finance
Bob Reesman, Director of Operations
Pam Cromie, Director of the Adult Achievement Center - Kittanning
Maria Emili, Director of the Adult Achievement Center - Leechburg
Our Locations
Oak Avenue (Main Office)
301 Oak Avenue
Kittanning, PA 16201
Phone: 724-548-5664
Fax: 724-545-2088
Leonard M. Meneely
Industrial Center
1340 North Water Street
Kittanning, PA 16201
Phone: 724-548-5664
Adult Achievement CenterKittanning
368 Butler Road
Kittanning, PA 16201
Phone: 724-548-5664
Adult Achievement CenterLeechburg
128 Market Street
Leechburg, PA 15656
Phone: 724-548-5664
STAY CONNECTED!
9561 Route 422 W
Fax: 724-545-2088 PWAC Shelocta
Shelocta, PA 15774
Phone: 724-548-5664
