Shen-Paco celebrates half century of empowering individuals
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Nov. 13 — For many, work can be a dirty word; both figuratively and literally. Most in the working world dread Mondays and live for Fridays. But for individuals at Shen-Paco Industries, employment means empowerment…and they never take it for granted.
“What they did here was so much more,” Shen-Paco volunteer Katie Montgomery said of individuals from the non-profit that provided janitorial services at the neighboring Andersen plant where she works.
“The excitement they expressed…they were generally happy and grateful to be there,” she added. “They show us how to be grateful for our jobs, even when it’s challenging.”
On May 26, 1974, the board of directors established Shen-Paco Industries to provide meaningful day programs in a safe environment for adults with disabilities. Half a century later, the organization serves 80 adults at two locations in Shenandoah and Page counties with a staff of 51.
On Wednesday, several dozen employees, staff, board members, volunteers, supporters and local officials gathered at the 14,644-square-foot building Shen-Paco occupies in the industrial park on the east end of town. The Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to mark the year-long celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary.
“Having this business and organization here is a tremendous asset to Page County,” Chamber President Gina Hillard told the crowd.
“I’m really proud of everyone here,” District 2 Supervisor Allen Louderback added. “I remember the start here in Page County, and this building has been improved…it’s nicer, cleaner, bigger and better…I think this is Page County’s best kept secret, and we hope you are here another 50 years.”
Shen-Paco’s mission is to empower disabled adults by developing skills and interacting with the community. A slogan inscribed on a wall inside reads: “We see the ability in disability.” Through government funding and support, 40 individuals at the Luray location have contracts with the Kontoor plant (formerly Wrangler) to sort hangers, and with Andersen to assemble hinges and springs.
“Since we started in 1974, we’ve helped a lot of individuals,” said Ingrid Thompson, Outreach Coordinator for Shen-Paco. “This building has been upgraded with a new paint job and a new logo… It’s bright and clear and we’re ready to shine.”
Shen-Paco’s other facility, which also serves 40 individuals, sits just west of Mount Jackson (with a Quicksburg address) and spans 23,314 square feet. The organization also manages three group homes with locations in Stanley, New Market and Mount Jackson. In early 2024, they were housing about a dozen residents at the three locations. In order to participate, individuals must be referred by either the Community Services Board, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Rehabiliative Services, the Department of Blind and Visually Impaired, the local school system, or Veterans Affairs.
Some participants with transportation come from as far away as Waynesboro. Programs provided by the organization include guest speakers such as nursing students from James Madison University who speak on health issues, local law enforcement officers speaking about safety, representatives from local banks talking about personal finance, or a representative of a museum talking about special collections.
The Luray facility first began in 1999 in the basement of the current Page One thrift store on West Main Street and later moved to the building in the industrial park. Some at the facility help at the animal shelter, visit shopping areas, or go bowling. Music groups visit occasionally, and sometimes they play games. Shen-Paco’s annual prom is held at American Celebration on Parade at Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg, an idea originated through the Tim Tebow Foundation.
As Montgomery spoke to the crowd gathered at Luray’s Shen-Paco location on Wednesday, she remembered Frank. Although he passed away in recent years, she still recalls his Christmas wish for a new pair of socks — something many loathe to find in their stockings. After two decades of working with the non-profit, Frank’s joy and appreciation over his new pari of socks still stands as her favorite Christmas memory.
“It’s more than a place to work…it’s a family.”
For more information about Shen-Paco Industries,
visit https://shen-paco.org/
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