Renovations are in full swing at the ARC of Schuyler County.

Part of that growth includes making more space for the Glen Co-Pack Food Manufacturing facility.

“We were kind of a job shop,” said Arc of Schuyler Executive Director Jeannette Frank. “We did a lot of different things for a lot of different companies. This transition will allow us to just concentrate on food manufacturing.”

Growing their operation could serve a critical need in the community. ARC employs those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Those like Larry Tanner who was a worker but has since retired. However, he still serves the board.

“It’s the first I’ve seen on the old workshop so I was really amazed, “said Tanner.

The Co-Pack facility deals with over 100 small businesses. Their employees help entrepreneurs get their product to market.

“The services are designed for wrap around services so that a community of folks that otherwise would not be able to participate in the workplace will be as you heard are not staying home,” said Congressman Tom Reed.

The board took Congressman Tom Reed on tour of the new facility. They say he and his staff were instrumental in helping secure some of their funding.

The extra 5,000 square feet will allow the ARC to utilize two kitchens in their food manufacturing process.

“Ones specifically for dry fill, one is specifically for the bottling operation and then it also helps us meet new food safety modernization regulations,” said Frank.

Reed says with stories like Larry’s it puts a name to the numbers. Larry’s is one that can help strength their resources and funding.

“These are the stories that allow me to go back to Washington and to fight for and say these are real people, these are real impacts, and to make sure that the face is brought to the numbers,” said Reed.

This as The ARC finds a new partner in helping to continue to fund sheltered workshops.