Easterseals Northeast Indiana Angola Partners with Mastercraft During National Crisis
When COVID-19 hit, companies across the U.S. pivoted to fill urgent needs—including Mastercraft Inc. in LaGrange, Indiana. Known for making high-quality RV furniture for over 50 years, Mastercraft added a new product line in 2020: personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals.
Needing extra help to meet demand, Mastercraft reached out to Easterseals Northeast Indiana Angola. The nonprofit quickly assembled a crew from its Easterseals supported employment program, creating a productive and dependable team of workers with disabilities. This partnership exemplified how supported employment can benefit both employers and individuals seeking inclusive job opportunities.
Supported Work Crew Makes an Immediate Impact
Starting in October of that year, the Easterseals Northeast Indiana Angola team began folding, boxing, and labeling thousands of PPE garments sewn by Mastercraft. The supported work group quickly proved essential.
“They are dependable and consistent,” said Clif Reynolds, President of Mastercraft. “They tend to have smiles on their faces. Attitude is important, and they have an attitude that carries.”
Jim, one of the team members, shared:
“The best part about this job is getting to meet new people and just getting along with others.”
Easterseals Supported Employment Finds Long-Term Role at Mastercraft
As Mastercraft phased out PPE and resumed its RV production, the supported work team stayed on in a new capacity. At the company’s LaGrange and Shipshewana plants, they now reverse and fold upholstery covers for recliners, pull-out couches, dinettes, and more.
Four Easterseals participants usually work a daily shift from 9:20 a.m. to 2 p.m. They take bins full of inside-out upholstery covers and skillfully turn them right-side out before folding them neatly for the next production stage.
Each team member brings unique strengths. Cody, one of the most efficient workers, said:
“I like it a lot. I’m a hard worker. I like to move quickly and do different jobs here.”
When Cody finishes his assigned covers, he finds other tasks—like trimming fiber cores for piping used in upholstery.
“These guys do a really good job,” said Virginia Fuentes, a staff member from Easterseals Northeast Indiana Angola. “They’re pretty independent.”
A Win-Win for Workforce and Inclusion
Today, 16 Easterseals participants rotate through the four supported positions at Mastercraft. In addition to reversing and folding, they inspect for defects—like misaligned zippers—and remove flawed covers from the production line.
Doug Cline, Vice President of Manufacturing, said:
“They free up a lot of time for other people to do other jobs.”
With about 195 employees on staff—roughly 25 short of optimal staffing—this support is critical.
Frankie, another Easterseals participant, added:
“It’s pretty good. I like working here a lot. You meet new people.”
Easterseals Northeast Indiana Angola Creates Lasting Employment Connections
This collaboration highlights the strength of Easterseals supported employment in Angola and across Northeast Indiana. By placing adults with disabilities in inclusive work environments, the program provides real job skills, a sense of purpose, and meaningful community involvement.
Easterseals Northeast Indiana Angola remains committed to partnering with local employers like Mastercraft to expand employment opportunities that benefit both businesses and individuals.