SIDNEY — What appears to be just another business tucked into a small industrial building on Stolle Avenue in Sidney is really a bustling innovative hybrid. S&H Products is part employment agency, part community involvement program and part support center for the 85 adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities it serves.
S&H Products, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, relies heavily on revenue from work contracts and federal subsidies, but has little room in the budget for extra equipment to assist with costly work and care accommodations for its associates.
“Match Day gifts are going help us purchase specialized equipment and software that will directly support our associate’s work and healthcare needs,” said Michelle Herndon, S&H Products executive director/CEO. “We have not traditionally raised funds through a campaign, so we don’t have a donor list. We are extremely grateful to people who will give to the Community Foundation’s Match Day in our name so we can purchase some of these basic, but unbudgeted items.”
Items on the priority list include talking scales for vocational work, communication software for individuals who lack the ability to speak, a kiln for the art studio, a scale that can accommodate a wheelchair and a stop saw that automatically stops blades upon contact with skin.
“Programs like ours are seeing new mandates for care expectations, community involvement and workplace accommodations,” explained Herndon. “Our staff is very creative and committed to providing whatever is needed to help an individual achieve goals in their work and personal life. We have tremendous respect for the people who cross our threshold every day and have so much to offer.”
S&H Products contracts with companies to place associates and work teams at the business location or complete jobs in-house. An art program was expanded a few years ago and now sells artwork at local craft shows and at a showroom inside S&H that is open to the public. S&H Products associates also participate in activities in the community such as events at the Senior Center, golfing at the Moose and classes at the YMCA.
To contribute to S&H Products on Match Day, gifts must be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County with: Match/S&H Products noted on the memo or in an accompanying note or form. Details and forms are available at the Community Foundation website at www.commfoun.com or at S&H Products. Gifts must be received on or before November 28 to be eligible for up to $5,000 in matching money.