MISSION

Maine Woodworks is more than a builder of beautiful furniture.

We have a mission. A social mission.

Maine Woodworks is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with disabilities, Maine Woodworks employs an integrated workforce, made up of people both with and without disabilities.

Our craftspeople take pride and satisfaction in the work they do, in the quality and style of furniture they build, and in their ability to support themselves and contribute meaningfully to the community.

Proceeds from the sales of our furniture are used to further our social mission, and to provide a steady paycheck to all Maine Woodworks’ employees.

In purchasing Maine Woodworks furniture, you are investing in our social mission, our people, and in breaking down barriers that limit opportunities for individuals with disabilities to lead productive and fully engaged lives.

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Meet our Makers

Dave

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
TEAM MEMBER 20 YEARS

“I really enjoy the whole manufacturing process—seeing things go from raw materials to finished product. And of course there’s the feel-good component—the satisfaction people get out of being employed. That means a lot to me.”

Mike

Floor Supervisor &Parts department manager
TEAM MEMBER 28 YEARS

Mike has a reputation for being the straight-faced guy in the shop. In fact, when interviewed, Mike smiled once. That was when he spoke about working with Scott for over 20 years.

Scott

Parts Department Assistant
Team Member 26 years

“It’s not the money for me,” says Scott. “It’s being a worker.”

Bill

production float
TEAM MEMBER 17 YEARS

“I picked up my woodworking skills on my own. I realized that you have to try things in life, and if something matters to you, you’ll find a way to achieve it. My father taught me that."

Joe

Prep sander
TEAM MEMBER 18 YEARS

“I make things right so I know it’s good enough for my family.”

Linda

Production float
TEAM MEMBER 15 YEARS

“Family is your legacy,” says Linda earnestly. “It’s simple. Life is simple. Don’t overthink it.”

Joyce

SANDER
TEAM MEMBER 10 YEARS

Joyce's favorite parts of her job at Maine Woodworks are her job coach, her boss Dave, and working with Ms. Linda.

Ben

final assembly
TEAM MEMBER 9 YEARS

“I like making sure everything is square and accurate. I like precision."

PREP SANDER
TEAM MEMBER 7 YEARS

Al, who says he only dabbles with Blues harp (harmonica for the lay person), has his own Blues radio show. He plays gigs from Gray to Saco, as well as the Maine Blues Festival, and all for free. He also “only” plays the keyboard and flute.

Arturo

LEAD case goods ASSEMBLy
TEAM MEMBER 7 YEARS

Arturo hails from the northwestern most region of Spain, and used to be a seaman, laying fiber optic cable internationally. When asked how he ended up in a woodshop in Saco, Maine, Arturo gives an honest answer.

“How else? A woman.”

Tina

prep sander
TEAM MEMBER 7 YEARS

Tina's favorite part about working for Maine Woodworks is the independence of earning a living.

“I make money,” she says. “I cash it. I can use it when I need it.”

Jim

lead fINAL ASSEMBLy
TEAM MEMBER 6 YEARS

“You have to take pride in your profession. One day, this job will send my kids to college. That’s something I can be proud of.”

Emmett

lead finish sprayer & Production float
TEAM MEMBER 6 YEARS

“As a float, I’m trained on each of the departments. But more than knowing each of the jobs, I keep in mind the strengths and weaknesses of each of the team members that I’ll be working with on a given day. It’s very rewarding working with participants, and building furniture is a team effort.”

Eric

PRODUCTION FLOAT
TEAM MEMBER 5 YEARS

“The best thing is getting to interact with the people who work here. This is the best crew we’ve ever had at Maine Woodworks.”

Ken

Lead bed assembly
TEAM MEMBER 4 YEAR