The Pickleball Factory

VIP Industries, located in Cape Girardeau, Mo., is a nonprofit corporation established for the employment of handicapped individuals who suffer from mental and developmental disabilities. The individuals are offered employment in areas, such as assembly and production, packaging, custom packaging, poly bagging, shrink-wrapping, mailing, fulfillment, distribution and warehousing, sub-contract labor and cross-docking services. VIP Industries is one of the largest sheltered workshops in the state of Missouri and serves the two counties of Cape Girardeau and Bollinger and parts of Stoddard and Scott counties in Missouri. The organization has a workforce of more than 300 individuals at three plants. The employees work a six-hour day, and some of them participate in an adult educational program or a recreational program after work hours.

Established in 1967, VIP Industries is a not-for-profit corporation that shelters and provides employment to individuals with developmental disabilities. Located in Marble Hill, Mo., it is one of the largest sheltered workshops in the state of Missouri and has been in operation for over 43 years. In addition to providing a place of employment for the handicapped, it provides programs that benefit their mental and physical health. VIP Industries offers its client base services such as packaging, assembly and production, distribution and warehousing, recycling and security shredding.

Established in 1975, Five Star Industries is a not-for-profit organization that serves persons with disabilities, primarily in Perry County, Ill. The organization offers residential services, as well as vocational and life training. Its residential and respite program provides services in company-owned homes with private bedrooms located in the community and will provide services in the client s home. Five Star s vocational programs assist people with developmental disabilities to enhance their adaptive living and work skills. The organization offers several programs, such as developmental training, vocational development, extended employment, supported employment and competitive placement. Five Star Industries is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services and is headquartered in Du Quoin, Ill.