TENCO FOUNDATION INC
Mission Statement
For more than 30 years, the Tenco Foundation, Inc. has focused on one purpose . . . to enrich the lives of people with disabilities. How do we accomplish such a lofty goal? In two primary ways---providing a sound financial base for Tenco Industries, Inc. and by investing directly in the people it serves.
About This Cause
Tenco was incorporated on September 30, 1965 with the goal of providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. With a mere $18,000 in the bank, Tenco Workshop started back in 1965 in an old unkept building at the Ottumwa Airbase with an idea to help people with disabilities develop and maintain their independence. After that first decade, Tenco celebrated its achievements with an $85,000 donation from Roy Parker. At the time, it was the largest single donation Tenco had received. That $85,000 would equal a $380,000 donation in today's money. "I temporarily became the director for 18 years," said Tom Johnson, Tenco's first executive director. "We had a good time and experienced some wonderful years at Tenco -- and I thank God for them. I don't understand how we got things done. But I was the person God chose, and I am grateful. They truly were the best years of my life." Now, over five decades later, Tenco Industries continues to diversify its business to cover the shortfalls in the state and federal funding while serving more than 300 individuals. Tenco Industries is funded through county, state and federal funds, sale of goods to the public and United Way donations. The balance is supplied by the Tenco Foundation. The Tenco Foundation also offers grant funds to the people Tenco serves. These funds are designated to assist in personal growth, independence and to enhance their quality of life. Applications are reviewed and grants awarded quarterly through the DreamWeavers program. The Tenco Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses and organizations. As a designated 501(c) (3) organization, all gifts to the Tenco Foundation are tax deductible.