|
|
|
Mission Statement,
History, and Our Economic Impact Mission/About
Us
Mission Statement
| Lexington's mission is to provide the
best possible care to children and adults who are disabled and their families, be the best
employer for our staff, and otherwise contribute to the good of the community. |
History
Lexington began in 1953 when a small group of parents
organized in an effort to improve the lives of their children who were retarded. Shortly
thereafter, this parent group established a school program that eventually became part of
the Gloversville Enlarged School District.
In 1962, the Lexington Avenue School in Gloversville was
purchased and made into a sheltered workshop for young adults who were mentally retarded.
Lexington opened its doors to persons with physical and emotional disabilities in 1969.
 A few years later, Lexington opened its first community
residence.
Fulton County supported the efforts of Lexington as it
established special homes and a day treatment center for adults and children who had been
institutionalized for the greater portion of their lives.
Lexington began its Family Services Program in 1985 which
helps families caring for children and adults with developmental disabilities at home.
[ Return to Top of Page ]
Our Economic Impact
Lexington Center is Fulton County's largest employer with a
staff of over 1100. Lexington's staff payroll is $24,000,000 annually. An additional 205
persons who are disabled are employed in Lexington's Sheltered Workshop called Lexington
Industries.
The work Lexington Industries provides for adults who are disabled is obtained through
subcontracting with private industries primarily
from New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New York City. Lexington
Industries' annual billings are projected for over
$1,000,000 of which $800,000 is to industries outside Fulton County.
Occasionally, a company from outside the Fulton County area will ask Lexington to do a job
that cannot be done entirely at Lexington's facility.
Lexington then becomes the subcontractor, giving this work to businesses in Fulton County.
Each year Lexington places approximately 45 persons who are disabled into jobs in the
private sector. These people become tax-paying citizens
of Fulton County. Many are former recipients of public assistance.
A number of the long-term employees of Lexington's Sheltered Workshop earn enough at
Lexington to reduce their public assistance grants from the county.
In addition to the very positive social impact that Lexington has on the Fulton County
community, its financial impact on Fulton County is also
significant. |
