GIVE 2021: Part of it All with Grand Traverse Industries

Grand Traverse Industries (GTI) may look like an ordinary manufacturing building. Inside, employees in hard hats and goggles hustle about the echoing facility where plastic garbage bags are made. But it’s hard to miss that the environment is vibrant and fun, with a distinctly happy vibe.

That’s because while a quality finished product is certainly part of GTI’s mission, another core mission is to offer on-the-job training for those with developmental disabilities, to help them find meaningful employment and a whole lot more.

GTI does this by providing high-level support and skills teaching, both on-site at their manufacturing facilities in Traverse City and Mancelona, and at other locations throughout the community. For example, one crew with disabilities heads out daily with a GTI staff member who helps them with their job preparing and serving lunch at Interlochen Arts Academy.

But aside from providing job skills, one of the lesser-known aspects of their work is creating an overall sense of community and engagement for those with disabilities. In addition to job skills, GTI also offers a day program for individuals with significant disabilities.

“Some may work a bit, depending on their interest or ability,” explains Cindy Evans, Grand Traverse Industries’ executive director. “We provide a setting that keeps them actively engaged, and offer things like arts, crafts, music, occupational and physical therapy. We know that having a routine and active engagement for them makes for better health outcomes.”

GTI also provides experiences that help disabled individuals engage with the community through things such as bowling, fishing trips, swimming or outings to the movies. “You have no idea what it’s like to see the smile on someone’s face who has just gone fishing for the first time,” Evans says. “It’s just the best thing ever, helping people do things the rest of us take for granted.”

The revenue from the business venture funds GTI’s efforts. But also welcomed and intrinsic to their success, are the businesses putting paychecks in the hands of individuals with disabilities by partnering with GTI for their packaging and assembly needs.

Community donations are so appreciated and help support things like activities, transportation and the purchase of equipment such as physical therapy tables. Donate at grandtraverseindustries.com and follow them on Facebook for a glimpse into the many success stories, outings and adventures they help provide.

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Here are more GIVE 2021 featured articles:

• GIVE 2021: Saving Finch Creek Nature Sanctuary with GTRLC
• GIVE 2021: Healing Gardens with Grand Traverse Pavilions
• GIVE 2021: The Artist’s Way at Interlochen Center for the Arts
• GIVE 2021: The Smallest Thing with Eagle Village