History
May 1968
"Challenge Industries, Inc. is formed as a private, not-for-profit corporation. This vocation Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization established in Tompkins County and incorporated in New York State. The major goals of the corporation are to provide all disabled individuals with the necessary evaluation, job training programs, job counseling services that would lead to realistic and appropriate job placement in the community.”
September 1974
Challenge Industries relocates to its new home, 402 E. State St., formerly Ithaca Textiles, Inc.1974
Challenge’s workshop consists of a bottle washing operation, a mailroom, a print shop, a thrift store, a wood shop and a janitorial service.December 1986
Challenge signs a contract to operate the Egbert Union Dish rooms at Ithaca College; the beginning of a long-term enclave program.
1987
Challenge and a local landscape company create a new landscaping service using program participants.1990
A computer skills lab is created to teach the important skills needed in the modern workplace.1993
Microfilming service begins in cooperation with Cornell University.1994
Challenge initiates a strategic plan that focuses on the development of a broad range of programs and options for people with disabilities, and providing greater opportunities for people with disabilities to work in integrated environments.Challenge provides services to more than 600 people with disabilities, and partners with Tompkins County American Red Cross to reform a blood Donor Recruitment Team.
1999
Challenge serves more individuals outside of the agency than inside. This sets Challenge apart from other vocational rehabilitation agencies in New York.May 2004
Challenge opens its state-of-the-art Digital Services Department.
September 2005
Finger Lakes Fresh holds its grand opening for the new hydroponics lettuce operation.2007
Challenge named 2007 Not-For-Profit of the Year by Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.February 2008
Challenge debuts a new program called “Life Options”. Offering employment service options in accordance with day program activities, Challenge Life Options enables people at Challenge to choose services such as Employment and Training, Volunteer and Community Service, Health Nutrition and many more programs.January 2009
New Wage Subsidy Program provides comprehensive job training and support to low income job seekers. The program is supported through partial wage subsidies to employers. Download the Wage Subsidy brochure...