Who We Are
United in possibility, we shatter stigmas daily and motivate each other to be determined, focused, and valued employees. Whether here at our headquarters, or throughout the community, we work hard and we’re proud of it.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to transform barriers into opportunities for people with disabilities, or other challenges, by empowering them with services to live, learn, work, and thrive in the community.
NEW NAME , SAME qUALITY WORK.
The story began in 1973, when the Boone Adult Work Activity Center (BAWAC) was established, under the leadership of Ken Schmidt. Today, that same commitment to quality continues – now as Proudworks, where we are building upon Ken’s legacy. Why the name Proudworks? Over the years, we have expanded beyond our original scope to help meet the changing needs of the community by providing services across multiple counties throughout the region. The new name helps reflect those expanded services, along with highlighting the dignity, quality, and impact of the work.
OUR VALUES
JOY
WE'RE HAPPY TO WORK
Christiann in Life Transition Services
POTENTiAL
WE SHIFT MINDSETS DAILY
We strive for more from ourselves and our community.
Aaron in Community Rehabilitation Services
INTEGRATION
We Work Hard, Together
We are out in the wild every day commuting, working, and living. What we do goes beyond the walls of an activity center.
Transportation Services
DIGNITY
WE WORK HARD
We take pride in our work and our ability to do it well.
Kyle in Community Rehabilitation Services
RESILIENCE
WE GET IT DONE
Challenges are unavoidable, but we are determined to overcome them.
Wyatt in Supported Employment
Early 1973: An Advisory Board was established, comprised of parents/families, the MH-MR Regional Board members, and members of the Boone County ARC, in an effort to provide more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in the workforce. March 1973: the Boone Adult Work Activity Center (BAWAC) launched with 15 clients operating out of the basement at a former school in Boone County. This temporary location was made possible through the support and funding from local advocacy groups. By June of the same year, the number of clients more than doubled to 40 individuals served daily, justifying the need for a larger space to expand programs and services.
OUR WORKING COMMUNITY
At Proudworks, every story reflects resilience, growth, and possibility. Here, we share the journeys of our clients, celebrating their achievements and the hope they inspire.
who we partner with
We are grateful to our community partners their collaboration and support, which helps us transform barriers into opportunities, while promoting a greater collective impact across our region.
how we operate
We offer a variety of customizable options to meet individual needs, wherever they are on their journey, through the provision of job and life skills training, community & supported employment services, transportation, production & industrial services, education, and therapeutic recreation.
