The Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers (MASWM) was founded soon after the first workshops began operating here in the 1960s.

The need was obvious: operating non-profit businesses to provide employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities was a massive undertaking. Even small shops faced significant challenges in creating and maintaining a business model that included contracts while simultaneously serving a vulnerable population.

The need was obvious: operating non-profit businesses that provided provide employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities was a massive undertaking. Even small facilities faced huge challenges to create and maintain business contracts while simultaneously serving a vulnerable population.

It was clear: some type of organization was needed to help share the knowledge needed to successfully operate these surprisingly complex businesses that had to be financially self-sustaining. To meet this need, managers from Missouri’s earliest shops founded the association in October 1970.

MASWM was formed solely for educational purposes, to hold seminars and training sessions for managers and members of the boards of directors of sheltered workshops and to acquaint the public with the functions of such sheltered workshops. 

Although the challenges facing mangers today have changed, and increased, MASWM’S mission remains the same.