Our Values
This is where commerce meets compassion.
Where the value of an individual is upheld and honored.
Where the simple beauty of a job well-done gives both hope and purpose.
Here, dignity is at the center of all that we are.
And our only goal, to both positively impact the lives of the people we employ and the businesses we so proudly serve.
We believe that by supporting the individual’s needs of the disabled and nurturing their skills, we provide a unique kind of organization: One that is both good for society and for the growth of businesses.
This is our business … This is your business … This, is Dignity At Work.
History
Industrial Aid, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1970 by a group of insightful parents who wanted to provide their adult children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to strive toward independence and experience the dignity of employment. The facility opened its doors on Beck Avenue in South St. Louis with a handful of employees and moved to its current location on Oleatha Avenue in 1980.
In 2006 IA expanded its facility by constructing a 52,000 square foot addition, providing a total of 152,000 square feet, to accommodate the current and future needs of employees and customers. The project team focused on creating a safe, accessible, engaging environment for the employees as well as a state-of-the-art production space. The addition features an open production floor plan with long-span structural bays, high ceilings, skylights, and energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems. It also includes modern break rooms, locker areas, a courtyard with outdoor seating, and an entry that is highlighted by a 2 story atrium. The new facility was awarded the “Spirit of St. Louis Award” by the mayor’s office because of IA’s commitment to the city and surrounding neighborhood.
Industrial Aid is one of the largest contract packagers in the state of Missouri providing a variety of opportunities for individuals of all ability levels, from labor intensive hand assemblies to high speed packaging lines. Employees benefit from a supportive, light industrial environment with a staff experienced in providing individualized training to develop and enhance work skills. Industrial Aid currently employs 150+ St. Louis City and County residents with disabilities, engaged in productive work every day.
Board of Directors
President – Lynn Beauchaine, Parent
Vice President – Judy Ryan, Parent
Treasurer – Jaime Jankowski, Vice President, Cass Commerical Bank
Secretary – Mike Stroud, CEO Industrial Aid, Inc.
Antonia Banks, Parent
Jacqueline Bonds-Fowler, Parent Support/Dropout Transition Specialist, Nottingham CAJT High School
Suzanne Fenton, Marketing Specialist
Chris Hamlin, Partner Husch Blackwell
Kimberly Long, Principal, Nottingham CAJT High School
Judy Ryan, Parent
Jim Willers, Retail/Family member
Marge Zeller, Parent
Our Expert Team
Mike Stroud, Chief Executive Officer
Danyelle Hill, Director of Employment Services
Tracy Gritsenko, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
Lisa Bryant, Director of Finance
Diane Orf, Director of Human Resources
Ashley Engler, Assistant Director of Human Resources
Dzenana Okanovic, Warehouse Manager
Aida Trnjanin, Operations Assistant / Quality Assurance
Bill Bates, Facility Manager
Sandi Nusinovic, Facility Manager / Logistics