Winona ORC Capital Campaign for Winona Laundry

Our Role

For most of us, our basic living needs are met through our work. However, work does much more than merely provide income; it provides identity, purpose, structure and social interaction. Work brings independence and helps us to be productive members of the community. For those with a disability, work may be the most important element in their lives.

Each year, our employment programs help over 400 people prepare for, seek and secure employment. Each person has something to contribute and the desire to be productive. We are passionate about our role and strive every day to empower our clients to achieve their dreams.

Our Challenge

As our economy changes and our government funding is reduced, we must secure new resources to support our goals of integrated competitive employment, job choice, meaningful wages and benefits, career advancement and community inclusion for the people we serve. The question we are facing is “What can be done to ensure we can continue to provide a consistent, stable volume of appropriate work for our clients?

Our Solution

We are determined to secure a more sustainable, efficient and safe revenue stream. Winona ORC has invested over two years in research and development; the outcome is a realistic solution which has successfully been implemented in other rehabilitation centers. Winona ORC is confident that a self-sustaining, environmentally friendly commercial laundry enterprise is a viable solution.

Clients will have the opportunity to grow within the laundry department by developing more complex job skills. Valuable soft skills such as appropriate workplace behavior, cooperation, teamwork and communication will be gained. With a variety of work that commercial laundry offers, a successful work experience can be guaranteed for our clients. A commercial laundry facility further strengthens the diversity of the organization’s strategic goals of improving programs and services we offer.

Our Laundry Facility

Winona Laundry will be constructed within the existing footprint of Winona ORC. With the strategic closure of our machining department, nine thousand square feet is available for the laundry facility.

The facility will employ advanced technology, utilize energy and water efficiencies and will produce high quality results. Soiled and clean linens will be segregated into two distinct areas by a separation or “barrier” wall. When linens are received, workers will separate them with the aid of a sorting conveyor belt and overhead rail system. This automation prevents unnecessary strain and risks for clients who process the goods and will maximize washer loading efficiency. The rail system delivers linen to the pass-through washers which are integrated into the barrier wall. After cleaning, the linens are removed through a second door on the clean side of the barrier wall. The final component of separation is the use of an advanced positive pressure air flow system which will continuously move air from the clean side to the soiled side of the facility. The combination of the barrier wall, pass-through washer and air flow system minimizes the possibility of contamination.

The clean side of the laundry will house industrial dryers, an ironer and automated folding machines. The efficiency of the folding equipment will reduce movement and effort exerted by clients. Additionally, several folding stations will be used to manually fold small items. The design of the laundry will enable the smooth flow of linens through the facility from receiving to shipping while creating jobs and opportunity for our clients.

Our Community

Winona Laundry makes good sense for our clients, for Winona ORC and for our community. The laundry provides community businesses with a local source for their laundry needs while supplying employment for people with disabilities. The money earned by our clients promotes self-sufficiency, reduces reliance on government support and is funneled back into the local economy through housing, purchased goods and taxes.

Winona Laundry will enable us to further expand our programs and promote collaboration and partnership with other agencies, such as Home and Community Options (HCO) and Winona Developmental Achievement Center (DAC), by providing employment opportunities for their clients.

The revenue generated from laundry operations as well as the construction of the laundry facility will contribute to the economic growth of the community. A commercial laundry is an untapped market in Winona with great opportunity. As there are no commercial laundries in our community, we would not be competing with local businesses.

Our Commitment

Winona ORC is committed to investing in ourselves and the community. No funds will be requested from the public to subsidize operations. The Winona ORC Board of Directors has designated funds to cover projected operating costs during the start-up period. Managing and operating a quality facility for those with disabilities is of the utmost importance. By investing in Winona Laundry, we fulfill our mission by building a bridge of opportunity that works harmoniously with other community resources.

Our Need

Winona Laundry will require $1.2 million to construct. The break down of this funding is 55% for equipment and supplies, 40% for building renovations and 5% for marketing, sales development and staff training.

A philanthropic assessment completed by a local consulting company shows there is potential in the Winona area to support a venture of this size. The laundry will promote self-sufficiency for both our clients and our organization by providing sustainable work, additional training and career opportunities.

Your Opportunity

Supporting Winona ORC makes you a partner in our mission of helping people with disabilities achieve employment and life goals. With your support, Winona Laundry can become a reality. You can make a difference. Together, we can strengthen our community and help to build opportunity for the future.