On September 12, 1981, a meeting was held to initiate South Central Sheltered workshop in becoming a nonprofit organization with the purpose of providing vocational training to individuals for competitive jobs in the Shawnee community. South Central Sheltered Workshop was originally located at 1827 W. MacArthur, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. On October 5, 1981, South Central Sheltered Workshop was awarded its first work contract to produce survey flags for the State of Oklahoma's Department of Transportation. In September 1990 South Central moved to its present location at 130 North Louisa. The agency has since purchased the following properties: 100, 120, 126, 204 and 300 N. Louisa and 419 W. 9th for vocational purposes and 314 and 301 W 9th for residential group homes.

In 1996 South Central Sheltered workshop changed its name to South Central Industries to better reflect the wide array of job opportunities afforded to the clients of SCI. Through eleven separate contracts with the State of Oklahoma and private business, South Central has been able to diversify its job offerings to include city beautification, janitorial, lawn care, pallet construction, product offerings, volunteer opportunities with the Community Market, Legacy Parenting and Meals on Wheels and self-enrichment programs through the Sr. Center and Blue Zones. South Central strives to meet its clients' needs vocationally, residentially and socially

The Heart of SCI:

The heart and mission of SCI revolve around the P.E.E.P.s , People Experiencing Exceptional Purpose. The goal is to make sure all of our PEEPs enjoy vocational training, employment opportunities, residential services and social outlets that will help them achieve their maximum potential by integrating independence, self-determination and productivity into all facets of their lives. SCI is growing community from isolation for our PEEPs and their families. SCI strives to place its clients (Peeps) in jobs that will provide them with purpose, social outlets, and a profitable paycheck.

SCI strives to provide its clients safe homes and support to turn challenges into accomplishable daily living skills and for our PEEPs to achieve their dreams and desires to live life just like you and me with a good job, good friends, a good home, a purpose and the opportunity to give back to their community. At SCI we work to dignify differences and grow opportunities from barriers each and every day.