​ Integrated Employment is Our Mission—Maine Woodworks
Maine Woodworks Mission

Building a Better Future with Integrated Employment

HIRING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Adding Maine Woodworks furniture to a space always sparks change. A pop of color pulls your eye, the farmhouse and cottage styles conjure a memory, the quality and comfort pull you in. Each piece is also handcrafted to bring about an even bigger change—transforming the way the world views disabilities in the workplace.

Maine Woodworks is a Maine nonprofit on a mission: hiring employees with disabilities. We make more than high quality, handcrafted furniture. We make space for disability in the workplace.

Hiring people with disabilities takes investments in infrastructure, support, and training. Mastering shop skills. Learning people first language. Offering equitable, wages and good benefits well above industry standard. We see, every day, how that investment pays off in pride in work well done, a renewed sense of purpose, and true partnership between employees with and without disabilities.

Every purchase of our handcrafted furniture celebrates and supports the incredible potential of integrated employment and the dedication and skills of our hardworking team of Maine wood furniture makers. When you buy from Maine Woodworks, you bring that message home.

DONATE

 

MEET OUR MAKERS

Every visitor to our showroom immediately sees what truly sets us apart: real and rewarding employment for people with disabilities and without. Our integrated workforce is filled with good people doing good work, and we want you to meet the people building your most colorful life.

Dave

Dave

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
TEAM MEMBER 27 YEARS

“I really enjoy the whole manufacturing process—seeing things go from raw materials to finished product. And of course there’s the feel-good component—the satisfaction people get out of being employed. That means a lot to me.”

 Mike

Mike

FLOOR SUPERVISOR & PARTS DEPARTMENT MANAGER
TEAM MEMBER 29 YEARS

Mike has a reputation for being the straight-faced guy in the shop. In fact, when interviewed, Mike smiled once. That was when he spoke about working with Scott for over 20 years.

 Scott

Scott

PARTS DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT
TEAM MEMBER 27 YEARS

“It’s not the money for me,” says Scott. “It’s being a worker.”
Bill

Bill

production float
TEAM MEMBER 17 YEARS

“I picked up my woodworking skills on my own. I realized that you have to try things in life, and if something matters to you, you’ll find a way to achieve it. My father taught me that."

 Joe

Joe

Prep sander
TEAM MEMBER 19 YEARS

“I make things right so I know it’s good enough for my family.”

 Ben

Ben

final assembly
TEAM MEMBER 10 YEARS

“I like making sure everything is square and accurate. I like precision."
Al

Al

Prep Sander
TEAM MEMBER 8 YEARS

Al, who says he only dabbles with Blues harp (harmonica for the lay person), has his own Blues radio show. He plays gigs from Gray to Saco, as well as the Maine Blues Festival, and all for free. He also “only” plays the keyboard and flute.

 Arturo

Arturo

LEAD case goods ASSEMBLy
TEAM MEMBER 8 YEARS

Arturo hails from the northwestern most region of Spain, and used to be a seaman, laying fiber optic cable internationally. When asked how he ended up in a woodshop in Saco, Maine, Arturo gives an honest answer.

“How else? A woman.”

 Tina

Tina

Prep Sander
TEAM MEMBER 8 YEARS

Tina's favorite part about working for Maine Woodworks is the independence of earning a living.

“I make money,” she says. “I cash it. I can use it when I need it.”
Jim

Jim

lead fINAL ASSEMBLy
TEAM MEMBER 7 YEARS

“You have to take pride in your profession. One day, this job will send my kids to college. That’s something I can be proud of.”

 Ken

Ken

Lead bed assembly
TEAM MEMBER 4 YEARS

About working in an integrated woodshop, Ken says, “It’s more fun coming to work on days I know I’m working with participants.”

VISIT OUR INTEGRATED WORKSHOP

What does employment for people with disabilities look like? Building a better future, board by board and joint by joint.


CONTACT US

Shop Furniture