Lexington Center Jobs and Profile

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.

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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.

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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.