Earlier this month, state Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, along with representatives from the office of U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, and Morningside Services toured Lincoln Creek Lumber’s inclusive employment worksite, according to a news release from the company.
Morningside is a Centralia-based nonprofit dedicated to helping adults with disabilities secure and maintain employment with resources, including custom training, placement programs and long-term coaching. Leading the tour was Lincoln Creek Lumber employee Adrian Rone, who found employment there with Morningside’s help.
“Being able to work full-time — it’s a motivation. It’s like a spiritual enlightenment for me,” Rone said in the release. “It’s the embodiment of being able to do something meaningful every day.”
At the worksite, Rone assists customers by providing them directions through the lumber yard and helping load materials.
Aside from Morningside’s assistance, Lincoln Creek Lumber owner Bob Thompson Jr. thanked the yard manager for his work with Rone.
“Dave’s guidance and encouragement have been key to Adrian’s growth and confidence,” Thompson Jr. said in the release.
Morningside CEO and President Jonathan Pledger added that their work with Lincoln Creek Lumber was just one example of the work they do with many local businesses.
“Every individual we serve is different,” Pledger said in the release. “The relationship between Lincoln Creek Lumber and Adrian truly models our mission. The support of the company and its employees makes all the difference.”
Orcutt stated he was pleased with the work the company and nonprofit are doing together in the community amid both state and federal budget cuts.
“Do exactly what you’re doing today — invite legislators to see these programs in action, meet participants and show what’s possible. That’s how we ensure continued support for programs that help Washingtonians thrive,” Orcutt said in the release.
First opened in 1903, Lincoln Creek Lumber is a family-owned lumber business that has been in Thompson Jr.’s family for five generations, according to its website.
The business has locations in Tumwater and co-op locations with the Ace Hardware locations in Centralia and Chehalis. To learn more about the company, visit https://www.lincolncreeklumber.com/.
