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The Company

Yakima Specialties, Inc. was founded in June 1964 in a small building at South 13th Street and East Viola in Yakima. It was originated through the efforts and finances of parents of disabled adults. The local chapter of Washington Association for Retarded Citizens and representatives of the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation also assisted in its formation and obtained the necessary equipment. In 1968, the Yakima Rotary Club aided in the purchase of a lot at 1913 McNair Avenue, for the location of the facility. On November 14th, 1971, a fire destroyed the entire plant and equipment. The Board of Directors organized a fund drive to rebuild the plant. By March 1972 approximately $90,000 was raised in cash donations, donated equipment, and state grants. The center now serves 100 individuals a year through the efforts of 17 staff members. A Janitorial program was initiated in 1982 in order to train commercial janitorial skills to disabled adults. During 1986, the Board of Directors of Yakima Specialties planned and created Yakima Medical Laundry.

This modern commercial laundry provides a larger variety of jobs for disabled adults as well as contract laundry services to hospitals and medical offices in Yakima County. After much consideration, the Board decided to buy the building and property on West "J" Street. The plans were drawn, the financing acquired, and the construction began. One of the Board's mandates was that no state or federal funds be used in this venture. With the help of Providence Medical Center, local individuals and companies, and U.S. Bank, no tax dollars were used. The new facility could truly be called a "community achievement." On September 23, 1996, Yakima Specialties held the ground-breaking ceremony for the new 30,000 square-foot facility. The current facility is now the home of Yakima Medical Laundry, Yakima Specialties Janitorial, and Yakima Specialties Woodshop. Yakima Specialties will continue to seek new employment options for individuals of Yakima County in need of opportunities.

Yakima Specialties was incorporated as a 501(C)(3), not for profit agency. This designation requires that a volunteer Board of Directors be in place. Yakima Specialties has been able to attract a cross section of our community leaders to serve as board members. This Board of Directors has a vision that has no boundaries. They ensure that Yakima Specialties offers a work place that is safe and employee friendly. Their vision has resulted in opening a new three-acre, 30,000 square-foot facility. Through Board direction, we have dropped our reliance on tax money to less than 4% of our operating cost. Yakima Specialties Board of Directors number one goal is to benefit our disabled workers. They are looking with anticipation to the future!