In 1968 a group of Helena’s most prominent citizens established the Citizens Committee for the Formation of a Sheltered Workshop.  The primary concern of these individuals was the scarcity of vocational training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.  Of particular interest to the committee was the fact that youngsters leaving special education programs had very few prospects for vocational training and jobs.  For nearly two years, the Citizens Committee worked on such details as establishing a board of directors; drawing up articles of incorporation; applying for start-up grants through the Model Cities Program and Montana’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division; finding a suitable location for the program; hiring staff members and last, but not least, deciding on a name for the organization.

On May 12th of 1970, the newly christened Helena Industries began operations at its present-day location, 1325 Helena Avenue.  On this first day of operation, 5 individuals with disabilities were present to receive vocational training.  Over the next four years the number of persons receiving services at Helena Industries grew to 35 and since 1974, the number served in all programs has expanded to over 700 individuals annually. 

The primary focus of Helena Industries, from the early days to present, has been that people have real jobs.  Real jobs involve “value-added” products and services that are worth something to their purchaser.  For the worker, success can be measured in the size of their paycheck and the personal pride of accomplishment.  Over the years, Helena Industries has developed a wide array of both textile and wood products.  Examples of these products are backpacks, brief cases, duffel bags, pallets, gift boxes, storage sheds and more.  Additionally, Helena Industries has generated a number of labor-intensive services such as bulk mailing and large-building janitorial.  All of these endeavors have produced jobs that give workers a paycheck and self-esteem. 

Since the mid-1980's, Helena Industries has intensified its efforts to give persons with disabilities the option of having a job in other businesses around Helena.  To make this choice available, Job Placement Specialists and Job Coaches work hard to find “just the right job” for the job-seeker and to provide on-going training and support for the worker and the employer.  Over the years, the results have been the formation of partnerships with hundreds of Helena employers and thousands of workers with disabilities.  The ultimate goal is a good match for the employer and the employee.