How Every Day Enterprises Supports South Carolina's Workforce

What Every Day Enterprises Does

Every Day Enterprises is a South Carolina nonprofit that operates sheltered workshops and community employment programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization creates paid work opportunities, job training, and support services across multiple locations in the state, helping individuals develop job skills, earn income, and build independence in their communities.

The organization runs both facility-based programs—where participants work in a structured workshop setting—and community-based employment, where workers are placed in regular jobs at local businesses with ongoing support from Every Day Enterprises staff. Programs vary by location, so the specific services available depend on which Every Day Enterprises site serves your area.

Key Takeaways

• Every Day Enterprises operates multiple locations across South Carolina, each offering different combinations of sheltered workshops, job training, and community employment placements.
• Participants earn wages for work performed, whether in facility-based programs or community jobs, and receive support from trained staff throughout their employment.
• The organization serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and referrals typically come through vocational rehabilitation agencies, school systems, or family members.
• Programs include job coaching, life skills training, and ongoing support to help workers maintain employment and build toward greater independence.

Sheltered Workshop Programs

Every Day Enterprises' sheltered workshops employ people with disabilities in a controlled, supportive environment where they perform contract work for local and regional businesses. Tasks vary by location and may include assembly, packaging, labeling, light manufacturing, or other production work. Participants earn piece-rate or hourly wages based on their productivity and the work completed.

Workshop staff provide direct supervision, job coaching, and assistance with work tasks. This setting allows people who may not yet be ready for community employment to develop work habits, learn new skills, and earn income while building confidence. Many participants eventually transition from the workshop into community jobs with Every Day Enterprises' support.

Community Employment and Job Placement

For individuals ready to work in regular community settings, Every Day Enterprises places workers at local businesses—grocery stores, restaurants, offices, retail shops, and service providers throughout South Carolina. Participants work alongside non-disabled employees and earn at least minimum wage, often more depending on the position and their performance.

Every Day Enterprises provides a job coach who works with the employee during the initial training period, then continues to check in regularly to ensure the job is working well. The coach helps the worker learn job duties, understand workplace expectations, and solve problems that come up. This ongoing support is a key difference from typical job placement: the organization stays involved to help the worker succeed long-term.

How to Connect with Every Day Enterprises

Referrals to Every Day Enterprises typically come through South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (SCVR), which serves people with disabilities seeking employment. SCVR counselors can refer clients to Every Day Enterprises programs based on their needs and the services available in their area. Families and individuals can also contact SCVR directly to explore whether Every Day Enterprises is a good fit.

School systems in South Carolina also refer students with disabilities to Every Day Enterprises through transition planning, usually starting a few years before graduation. Parents and educators work together to determine whether sheltered workshop, community employment, or a combination of both makes sense for each student's goals and abilities.

Direct contact with Every Day Enterprises is also possible—the organization has multiple locations, and staff can discuss what programs are available in your area and what the referral process looks like. Having a current assessment of the person's abilities and support needs speeds up the conversation.

Funding and Costs

Every Day Enterprises is funded through a combination of revenue from contract work, state and federal grants, and private donations. Participants do not pay out of pocket to join programs. Wages earned come directly to the worker, though some participants may have their earnings managed through a representative payee or trust arrangement depending on their circumstances and benefits status.

For people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), earnings from Every Day Enterprises work may affect benefits. It is important to understand how work income interacts with disability benefits before starting employment. SCVR counselors and Every Day Enterprises staff can discuss this with participants and help plan accordingly.

What Makes Every Day Enterprises Different

Unlike temporary job training programs, Every Day Enterprises provides ongoing employment and support. Workers are not placed in a job and then left on their own; staff remain involved to troubleshoot problems, adjust accommodations, and help the worker stay employed. This long-term commitment reflects the organization's mission to build sustainable employment for people with disabilities.

The organization also operates across multiple locations in South Carolina, meaning services are available in different regions. Some sites may specialize in certain types of work or serve particular age groups, so the program that fits one person may differ from what another person needs. Exploring what is available in your area is an important first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do people earn working at Every Day Enterprises?

Wages depend on the type of work, location, and individual productivity. In sheltered workshops, workers typically earn piece-rate wages based on output. In community jobs, workers earn at least minimum wage, often more. Every Day Enterprises staff can discuss expected earnings for specific positions during the referral process.

Can someone move from the workshop to a community job?

Yes. Many participants start in the sheltered workshop to build skills and confidence, then transition to community employment when they are ready. Every Day Enterprises staff work with participants and their families to plan this transition and provide support throughout the process.

What if someone needs help managing their paycheck or benefits?

Every Day Enterprises staff work with participants, families, and benefits counselors to address these concerns. Some participants may use a representative payee or work with a special needs trust. SCVR vocational rehabilitation counselors can also explain how work income affects SSI or SSDI before employment begins.

How do I get my family member referred to Every Day Enterprises?

Contact South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation to discuss your family member's employment goals and learn what programs are available in your area. You can also reach out directly to the Every Day Enterprises location nearest you. Having recent information about your family member's abilities and support needs will help the conversation move forward.

Are there age limits for participation?

Every Day Enterprises serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across different age groups. Some programs focus on transition-age youth (typically ages 14–22), while others serve adults. The specific age range depends on the location and program type. Staff can clarify what is available for your situation.