Tenco was founded on one defining principle... that every person has value and ability.Some abilities come naturally while others have to be learned.At Tenco, each day is dedicated to building opportunities for people with disabilities to work, learn life skills, and interact in the community.Tenco is a non-profit corporation founded in 1965, currently serving more than 150 people with disabilities. We operate vocational centers and offer day programs and residential services in Fairfield, Ottumwa, Keosauqua, and now Knoxville.RESPECT AND EMPOWERMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:We succeed only when we help people with disabilities to achieve success.  We will work together with the members we serve, their families and interdisciplinary teams to deliver the highest quality services. We will provide supports and mentoring in accordance with the wishes of the people we serve, not determining the direction for a member’s life or overriding their decisions.We will question imposed boundaries, continually striving to advance the independence level of each member.We will offer meaningful services in the form of work opportunities, vocational training, and rehabilitation/habilitation to each member in accordance with their skill levels, needs and desires.FACILITATING A STRONG WORKFORCE:We desire to help our staff achieve a healthy balance between work, family and recreation.We commit to provide appropriate training and support, enabling each employee to perform his or her job to the best of their ability. We will meet or exceed industry standards in compensation and benefits. We will strive to ensure that each employee feels respected and appreciated.We will enthusiastically promote teamwork, communication, accountability, fairness and a sense of purpose so that each employee enjoys a rewarding professional experience.COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE:We will build enduring business partnerships and customer relationships characterized by trust and exceptional service. We will deliver quality products in a timely manner.  We will treat others as we would wish to be treated, with dignity and respect.We will conduct our business relationships with honesty and integrity, maintaining a high level of excellence in all service areas.We will always put people first.Core Values:Integrity. . .we will employ the highest ethical standards, maintaining honesty, decency and a sense of fairness.Innovation. . .we will foster an environment that not only allows for thinking outside the box, but encourages it.Dedication. . .we will stay committed to our mission and the people we serve, employing a positive attitude and a willingness to do the job right.Excellence. . .we will provide superior services, well-maintained facilities, and quality products, adhering to an attitude of accountability and responsibility in all we do.Respect. . .we will honor the rights of those we serve, their families, our fellow workers, our customers, our funding sources, and our communities, treating others with the highest degree of dignity and equality.Team Concept. . .we will promote unity and working together to achieve common goals.Communication. . .we will maintain a commitment to communicate openly, honestly and effectively, both internally and externally.Tenco offers job and life skills, development, jobsite training and paid employment to individuals 18 and older who have been diagnosed with mental illness, intellectual development, physical disabilities and brain injury. Our description of services is as follows.ORGANIZATIONAL EMPLOYMENT:Provides work opportunities to individuals not able to utilize our Community Employment Services.  Individuals we serve in this program are in need of close supervision that may be due to behavioral, health and/or safety concerns.  With Organizational employment we focus on the development of skills necessary for work in the community.  All individuals are offered paid work opportunities through Tenco.  The work tasks are provided in a workshop setting (work is provided thru contracts with local businesses, and self generated work (such as our greenhouse) and enclaves.