Careers Industries moves into new building

Careers Industries recently moved into its new location in a 52,000-square-foot space that it has purchased at Westgate Mall, 4811 Washington Ave., Racine. Careers Industries is a non-profit organization that provides community-based activities, learning experiences, vocational training, and employment for people with developmental disabilities.
“After 12 years, Careers Industries literally outgrew our former 25,000 square-foot Douglas Avenue site,” said executive director Joe Greene. “(This) expansion reflects the success of their more than 350 participants as staff, volunteers and area businesses have enriched their lives through work, care and community. The new location is critical to our ability to expand revenue-producing services so we can be less reliant on public dollars while continuing to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities. Larger space will also allow Careers Industries to serve a greater number of participants while their families or other guardians can earn a living.”
The new building features high tech training rooms, a teaching kitchen, larger lunch rooms, an exercise room and a covered drop-off area. The organization will now have 23,000 square-feet of production and warehouse space for participants to provide fulfillment services for area businesses compared to the previous location’s 12,000 square-feet.  The project cost was $3.2 million for new building purchase and remodeling with financing provided by Johnson Bank and Careers Industries. 
“The new location is critical to our ability to expand revenue-producing services so we can be less reliant on public dollars while continuing to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities,” Greene said.  “Larger space will also allow Careers Industries to serve a greater number of participants while their families or other guardians can earn a living.”