Black River Industries Inc

Work services create opportunities for the people we serve and our staff to work together learning new skills and producing quality products for our communities. BRI contracted with ten local factories and three state of Wisconsin departments to employ 48 people with disabilities and 29 community staff in assembly, packaging, collating, commercial sewing, dry goods packaging, and confidential document shredding jobs. BRI also contracts to maintain five rest areas in Taylor and Rusk counties employing 6 people during the summer months. Another crew of 4 people operate BRI's commercial and residential lawn services. And an additional crew of 4 people maintain the two National Guard Armory locations. BRI is committed to providing an array of skill building jobs that encourage people with disabilities and community staff to excel.

Food Services provides a commercial kitchen experience for individuals with disabilities in preparation for community employment. We prepare nutritional meals under contract with the Taylor County Commission on Aging at two Senior Centers in the county, as well as for members of BRI. In 2024 we prepared approximately 8,500 meals to over 500 seniors. This number includes catered meals for the 2024 annual Senior Health and Wellness Fair. We also provided approximately 11,500 hot lunches to clients and staff; and approximately 200 catered meals to local businesses and civic organizations.

Transportation services are key to providing quality of life for people with disabilities in rural Wisconsin. BRI has provided door to door transportation to adults with disabilities since 1973 with expansion to senior citizens in 1980 and children in 1990. The BRI fleet of eleven buses and one newly added accessible van, logged 125,900 miles in 2024 transporting approximately 400 unduplicated riders to medical appointments, grocery stores, community events, pharmacies and other essential places. BRI's fleet of buses are purchased with grant funds from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation competitive Section 5310 Grant Program. BRI also utilizes 18 passenger vehicles for in home services, one on one transportation, and meals on wheels delivery. This year, BRI delivered over 16,000 meals to homes and congregate sites this year.