Decor-Plac

       Brief Summarized History

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In 1995 a group of seven engaged citizens in our community recognized an untapped resource in Washington County – adults with talents and skills who had to leave the county to reach their potential.  Determined to enable these adults to become productive and contributing residents of Washington County, the group took the bold plunge to rent a small workspace in the fair building at the Lions Club facilities on the edge of Potosi with funding from SB-40 (Senate Bill 40 – for the developmentally disabled).

 

Enhancements, Inc. was humbly born with six developmentally disabled employees, one staff person and a charter from the State of Missouri.  With the growing success of the sheltered workshop, the number of certified employees rose to fifteen and a second staff person was hired by mid-summer 1996.  By June 1997 the State of Missouri certified Enhancements, thereby qualifying the workshop to receive state per diem for the clients through DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education).

 

After two years in an incubator workspace, it became evident that Enhancements, Inc. had developed a clientele and level of productivity that could support an expanded workshop.  Land behind the current Washington County Handicapped Center was deeded to Enhancements, Inc.  With the support and encouragement from local customers, construction of a new workshop facility commenced.  Thanks to funding by SB-40, the facility was completed and the keys handed to Enhancements, debt free, in mid 1998.

 

As the business grew by fits and starts, relationships were forged and the number of certified employees grew.  Pride in their work was always evident and their reputation for quality and timely work spread.  As the work force grew, Enhancements added to their product line in 2001 with the acquisition of Décor Plac, a trophy and awards business.

 

By 2006 it became evident that Enhancements was physically limited in the type of jobs it could accept.  A burgeoning recycling business opportunity was occupying most of the workspace. In 2007 the workshop was awarded a grant through Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District to purchase a document shredder and baler, however had to delay acquiring the equipment due to lack of space.  The workshop began struggling to survive by its own limitations to grow.  Enhancements moved once again, this time to rented space in the Washington County Industrial Park.  Décor Plac could now be consolidated under the same roof as the workshop.  However, this was not to be a permanent home.

 

In 2008, as if an answer to a prayer, Enhancements, Inc. received the incredible gift of the former Town & Country supermarket building back in the center of town at a prime location.  Thanks to the generosity of property owner Bob Hufford, and the efforts of Mayor T. R. Dudley, the property was deeded to Enhancements, Inc. on December 28, 2008.

 

Financial support again through SB-40 allowed complete renovation of the long vacant property to meet the multi business needs of Enhancements, Inc.  On August 24, 2009 the three business entities of Enhancements, Inc., the sheltered workshop, Décor Plac and the recycling business, moved into their new home.  The 20,000 sq. ft. space quickly became segmented for each of the existing businesses with significant space reserved for a fourth business unit – a community thrift store.  Again, word quickly spread and the thrift store was open for business before the ribbon cutting and Open House on September 25, 2009.  With thirty-five certified employees and five staff members, Enhancements continues to be a significant employer in the county helping the developmentally disabled to realize their dreams, gain self-esteem and contribute to the local economy.

 

 

OUR MISSION

 

Enhancements, Inc/Décor Plac is a private, not-for-profit facility whose mission is to address the vocational needs of individuals who are handicapped as defined in RsMo 178.900 (or who are handicapped or developmentally disabled, or those individuals whose disability presents similar needs to those people who are developmentally disabled.) Enhancements, Inc/Décor Plac is dedicated to respecting the rights and dignity of the employees, and collaborating with outside agencies, to promote as much as possible, the independence and self-sufficiency of the employees.