From Simple Beginnings

We are Rockwest Training Company, Inc., a non-profit organization devoted to training, placing and serving those who are mentally and physically challenged. We are located at 4646 Ridge Drive NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 and committed to excellence.

In 1974, parents of disabled adults being released from Fairview Training Center during the down sizing, formed a group called the Salem Work Activity Center.  With a grant from the Oregon Department of Human Resources, they hired the first staff and opened the doors in a converted store front on Lancaster Drive in Salem.  As more and more individuals were moved from the State  run institutions, the Salem Area Work Activity Center grew.

In the late seventies, the name was changed to Rockwest Training Company, Inc.  Over the years, we have grown from serving five adults with disabilities, to more than 85, with a staff of 24 and annual sales of Rockwest products of $1.2 million.

Rockwest Textiles entered the garment manufacturing industry in 1992 with institutional nightgowns.

Today, Rockwest is known state-wide for its growing First Aid line -- Rockwest Medical.

With customers throughout the state, Rockwest continues to grow and expand to ensure quality work and employment for its employees.

The Employees of Rockwest have a variety of employment opportunities available to them at our main facility.  People with disabilities have the opportunity to learn highly technical jobs such as working with industrial sewing equipment in the Rockwest Textile Department.  They can also learn all aspects of the screen print trade.

In addition, there is a wide variety of assembling and packaging, including shrink wrap, as well as confidential shredding.

Rockwest also offers employment opportunities for individualized placement in community businesses.  We provide job training, long-term support and follow-up.  The benefits to a business that places Rockwest Employees are many.  A business can save on labor costs, insurance costs, training costs as well as get highly motivated and responsible employee.  In addition, Rockwest is a Rehabilitation Services Provider.  We provide assessments, on the job training and transitional services for clients of the Vocational Rehabilitation Division.

Rockwest has opportunities for volunteers to do hands-on training and support.  There are several ways that support can benefit Rockwest.  Building fixtures and workstations, as well as clerical support for staff are just a few of the positions.

We also offer practicum placement for College Students with an interest in the Mental Health field.  Students will learn to design and implement training programs, as well as provide skill training, measurable training objectives, data collection, hands-on training, behavior management and Individual Support Plan training.  There are also training opportunities for fundraising, marketing and public information.  Practicum students become part of the program staff and learn more about the field in a positive and supportive environment.

Rockwest also offers a tuition based placement at the main plant when Marion County has no funding.  These individuals receive the same program planning and job training that all other employees of Rockwest receive, that includes a paycheck!  Individuals are assessed and placed in the appropriate work area and training begins.

Watch "From Simple Beginnings", The story of Rockwest.