Pella Rolscreen Foundation awards $10,000 to Nishna Productions, Inc.

Pella Corporation in Shenandoah is a leading manufacturer of outstanding windows and doors.  The company has taken an active role with Nishna Productions, Inc. and in the enrichment of the lives of people with disabilities for several years.  They have provided wonderful vocational opportunities to people with disabilities through their work contract partnerships with Nishna Productions, Inc.  These contracts have given individuals with disabilities a chance to earn a wage and become  contributing members of their communities.
In 2010, Nishna Productions, Inc. submitted a funding proposal to the Shenandoah Pella Corporation plant for consideration.  The Shenandoah Plant endorsed the proposal and sent it to Pella® Rolscreen® Foundation’s corporate office for consideration.  The funding request was to help NPI meet a one-to-one challenge grant for $75,000 from the Iowa West Foundation for the Nishna Productions, Inc. Vocational Training Center Project.  The money must be raised by March 31, 2011.
Recently, Nishna Productions, Inc. received a $10,000 award from the Pella Rolscreen Foundation.  This outstanding contribution helped make it possible for NPI to reach their $75,000 matching fund goal.  However, $170,000 is still needed to complete funding the $1,499,000 project.
Nishna Productions, Inc. will begin constructing the new 16,000 square foot vocational training center at 210 South Broadway in the spring of 2011.  The agency’s work with individuals with disabilities will be improved and enhanced through this project.  The purpose of the project is to provide vocational skills training that will assist people with disabilities in achieving their maximum employment potential.  
Work helps people with disabilities achieve independence and economic self-sufficiency.  Work also gives people with disabilities purpose, dignity, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment and pride.  Both society and people with disabilities benefit when they participate in the workforce and engage actively in the economy.  The agency has outgrown the space at its existing facility at 207 South 3rd in Red Oak.  All vocational training being provided in Red Oak, including the Redemption Center, will be relocated into this new, larger facility.  In addition, the agency will be developing a commercial laundry business with the potential to help the agency to become more independent of government fiscal subsidies through the generation of excess revenue over time that can be used to supplement the fiscal resources needed to provide services to people with disabilities.   
This project will create new employment opportunities for additional staff.   As the agency grows, new staff positions will be created which adds to the economic development in Southwest Iowa.
Sherri Clark, Executive Director, NPI, states, “We are extremely grateful to the Pella Rolscreen Foundation for their generous contribution to our project.  The contribution has definitely played an important role in making this project become a reality.  We also want to thank the Shenandoah Pella Corporation plant for enriching the lives of people with disabilities by their outstanding work contract opportunities.  Together – we can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.”