NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WKBN) – A New Castle organization was recently recognized locally and nationally for its work in the field of disability services.
Lark Enterprises, Inc. and its CEO, Susan Lautenbacher, were recently recognized in the areas of business performance, leadership and innovation.
Lark is a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization that provides job training and inclusion to people with disabilities. The company’s mission is to help people become independent and integrated into their communities through greater independence, choice and opportunity.
The company was founded 67 years ago by Marion Furlong, a mother who wanted a better future for her child. Now CEO and mother of a child with a disability, Lautenbacher says change has to happen.
“Marion has taken them out of institutions and I feel like my role is to get them into a stronger, more stable community,” she said.
Employees utilize grant-funded semi-automated and fully automated equipment to complete their work. Lark’s operations include textile manufacturing, screen printing, embroidery services, packaging and assembly, cleaning and staffing.
“Most workers are only working around 80-85%. We as humans are not working 100%. [of equipment]”Our employees are able to produce at the same level as everyone else.”
Lautenbacher received the Woman of Achievement Award from Cribs for Kids in Pittsburgh, Pa. The award is presented to a Pittsburgh-area woman who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in her professional field, made significant contributions to the betterment of her community or achieved outstanding results for the advancement of women.
In May, Lautenbacher was presented with the Excellence in Management Award by the national SourceAmerica Employers Council in recognition of his leadership in significantly expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. While SourceAmerica selects only three Americans each year who have played an active role in developing an inclusive work environment for people with diverse abilities, Lautenbacher said the award goes to his entire management team.
“I think this award, more than anything, belongs to all of us,” Lautenbacher said. “Innovation had to start somewhere, but it’s meaningless if no one keeps up. And I always say that not only did they keep up, they jumped off the cliff with me.”
Lark and Lautenbacher also received Harrisburg’s inaugural Innovation Award, presented by UniqueSource in recognition of Lark’s innovative use of technology and artificial intelligence to bring job diversity and accessibility to individuals who previously faced barriers to achieving their employment and self-reliance goals.