The words we use evolve over time. When employment programs for adults with disabilities began gaining momentum in the early 1960s, the term “sheltered workshops” became widely used. Today, that phrase is considered outdated—and it doesn’t reflect the vibrant, inclusive environment found at modern agencies like BCI.
Founded in 1959 as a sheltered workshop, BCI has continued to offer extended, or organizational, employment. But as the aspirations of the people we serve have grown, so have we. We’ve expanded our programs and services to create meaningful opportunities that go far beyond our original model.
Here’s a look at how BCI has evolved over the past 65 years—and where we’re headed next.
BCI: How We’ve Grown Over 65 Years
1. A demonstrated commitment to employment choice
Employees in any work setting deserve mentorship, the opportunity to set career goals, and the chance to pursue new, fulfilling opportunities. These beliefs are central to BCI’s Employment Continuum.
BCI has embraced a culture of teamwork and inclusion. We don’t just create jobs; we work to eliminate employment barriers for adults with disabilities.
BCI’s Employment Continuum reflects our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed in a job that aligns with their goals and abilities. Whether someone starts working with BCI under our organizational, competitive, or vocational training program, they will be supported through regular meetings, where they have the opportunity to discuss their employment satisfaction and career goals, as well as whether they wish to advance to the next level of the Employment Continuum.
BCI employs a team of dedicated staff who help create customized plans based on an individual’s skills and goals, and assist them in developing a plan to achieve those goals.
2. A culture of constant innovation
They say “variety is the spice of life,” and BCI is no exception! As the job market continues to evolve, so too must BCI, keeping pace with the demand for employment opportunities and programs that support individuals with disabilities.
Our oldest program, organizational employment, began in 1959 and continues to be the foundation of our mission. Individuals work for BCI Packaging and are fully supported by a teamhttps://boonecenter.com/organizational-employment/ of Production Supervisors and Employment Support Specialists. Team members are cross-trained in multiple areas of the production line and have the opportunity to uncover the tasks or skills they enjoy most.
Organizational employees at BCI help package and assemble goods in a variety of different industries—from consumer products to pet food, medical and pharmaceutical items, and beyond. In fact, 250 adults with disabilities employed at BCI produced 288 million unique products in 2024. How amazing is that?
If Organizational offers a variety of work tasks, BCI’s Competitive Employment Program provides a variety of work sites. BCI launched this program in 2011 in response to the need for more integrated employment opportunities in the community. These are jobs for individuals who live with a disability but who want to compete, just like any other applicant, for equal pay, benefits, and advancement opportunities. Here, individuals are supported through a process that helps them determine where they want to work, what they want to do, and how they can achieve the most success in their careers.
A dedicated team of Competitive Employment Advisors helps clients explore their interests and abilities, and then applies that knowledge to seek out future employers. Our team is continually forming and growing partnerships with local employers, identifying those that welcome individuals of all abilities. At any given point, our team may be working with 50 different businesses, providing them with the manpower and support they need, as well as the inclusive culture that customers appreciate.
Finally, if you want not just a job but a career, BCI’s Skills Center provides a comprehensive and direct path to competitive employment in a vocation of your choosing. When this program was launched in 2019, no one in our region was doing anything like it! But BCI knew it was the next logical step in competitive employment—connecting inclusive-minded companies to an untapped talent pool of individuals just waiting for their shot to shine.
BCI’s Skills Center currently offers job-training programs in Manufacturing, Hospitality, Health Care and Social Assistance Support, Custodial, and Warehouse industries. Learn more about the BCI Skills Center.
We believe in the ABILITIES of our employees with disabilities. They are some of the most committed and passionate team members we’ve had the pleasure of interacting with.
3. Pre-Employment Program: The next step in career prep
Starting in August, our Employment Continuum will further evolve with the launch of our new Pre-Employment Program. Created for individuals with little to no work experience, this 12-week program offers personalized, hands-on training in a supportive, in-person environment. With a low 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio, each person receives the dedicated attention they need to build confidence and skills that last.
Participants will explore technical tasks, strengthen interpersonal abilities, and get a real-world feel for the workplace through company tours and job site visits. Career assessments and one-on-one future planning sessions round out the experience, helping each individual identify their path forward.
By the end of the program, participants will be job-ready, and BCI will be right there to support them as they take the next exciting step into employment.
4. Navigating challenges
At BCI, having worked with people with disabilities for over 65 years, we understand the challenges that people and their families face when seeking employment.
Since many of the individuals we serve don’t drive, transportation remains a major challenge—made even more difficult by reduced funding and a shrinking pool of qualified providers since 2020. While BCI can’t solve these problems, we can help our employees and other clients by having a Transportation Manager on staff. He coordinates carpools, works with community resources, and researches community resources. His only goal is to help individuals reach the job site that brings them purpose and fulfillment.
For those who work at BCI, the launch of our Extra Innings program in 2022 has been a game-changer. This paid program allows employees to arrive early or stay late, offering supervision along with structured training and enrichment activities. It’s been especially valuable for families where everyone works long hours and needs extra support during those transition times.
We also understand how challenging it can be for families to navigate the financial guidelines of public benefits programs, such as Medicaid and Social Security Disability, which often interact with income from wages. That’s why we have two full-time Benefits Case Managers. These certified benefits practitioners are dedicated to helping individuals navigate employment without jeopardizing the social services programs they rely on.
We know that with the right support, employees with disabilities can become some of the most dedicated and valuable members of any team. They may simply need a bit of guidance to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
5. Creating social interaction and community
Studies have shown the potential health impact of social isolation is on par with high blood pressure, obesity, lack of exercise, or smoking. Humans are social beings, and we thrive on making connections with the world around us!
Some adults with disabilities can be challenged to fill their schedules after graduating from high school, which is another reason organizations like BCI are vital. After pursuing and achieving meaningful work, individuals enjoy a supportive environment where they can build friendships and professional relationships with their fellow coworkers and support staff.
Finally, BCI is committed to helping families by providing their loved ones with a purposeful daily routine. After high school, adults with disabilities often have limited opportunities for employment and social interaction, which can lead to emotional distress for parents and caregivers—and may even affect their own work-life balance. Supported employment at BCI offers a safe and fulfilling space for individuals to grow while benefiting the community around them.
People are the foundation of everything we do.
Find the Support You Need to Succeed at BCI
With humble beginnings as a home-based candle shop in 1959, BCI has evolved into a leading employer of adults with disabilities in the greater St. Louis and St. Charles areas. BCI’s mission is focused on programs that will help us achieve our vision: To create a world where disabilities are no longer barriers to achieving potential and purpose in meaningful work.
If you or someone you know is interested in employment programs at BCI, please email Katie Jones, Chief Program Officer, Organizational Employment and Advocacy, at kjones@boonecenter.com or contact us by phone at (636) 978-4300.