Tenco Expands to Mahaska County
Photo taken by Mendy McAdams – Marketing and Development Director: Pictured at the recent ribbon cutting are Codie Amason, Chief Operating Officer, Casey Riley, Ambassador; Cheryl Plank, Executive Director; Laurie Lenertz, Mahaska County Area Director; Amy Meyer, Ambassador; and Beth Overton, Ambassador.
Tenco is a non-profit corporation, founded in 1965, that currently serves over 300 people with disabilities. Tenco’s mission is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities that will develop and maintain independence in all areas of their lives. Mahaska County joins 5 other counties where Tenco presently has office locations. “I am excited to continue to expand services to meet the needs of individuals in our communities,” commented Cheryl Plank, Executive Director for Tenco.
Tenco expanded its coverage to include Mahaska County and had their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, November 29 with the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group. Laurie Lenertz is the Area Director for Mahaska County. Lenertz has 5.5 years of experience working in this field as well as 20 years working with her own child. She will be based in the Oskaloosa office at 117 North First Street.
In this, their 52nd year, Tenco operates vocational programs in Centerville, Fairfield, and Ottumwa; Adult Day Habilitation services in Centerville, Fairfield, and Ottumwa; and residential services in Centerville, Keosauqua, Fairfield, Knoxville, Ottumwa, and Oskaloosa. Tenco also manages a Transition Home in Fairfield and Residential Care Facilities in Keosauqua and Knoxville. In January, Tenco will return to Lucas County. With the upcoming return to Lucas County, Tenco will be providing services in seven counties throughout southeast Iowa; Appanoose, Jefferson, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Van Buren, and Wapello.
In addition to opening the Mahaska County office, Tenco has joined the Farmers Market in Oskaloosa. The winter market is held in the Penn Central Mall and allows Tenco to share the produce grown in their greenhouses. Tenco operates two greenhouses; one is Fairfield and one in Ottumwa. The produce are hydroponically grown, pesticide free, and offer Tenco’s clients another vocational opportunity. Tomatoes, lettuce, and other produce are available year-round.
Tenco looks forward to the opportunities to grow and increase available options for people with disabilities. For more information about Tenco and the services they offer, check out their website www.tenco.org.
