Some big additions are coming for Ascend Services in Manitowoc.
The organization has announced the official launch of ASI Employment Manufacturing LLC., which is described as a “social enterprise designed to expand meaningful workforce development and employment opportunities within the community.”
Deanna Genske, the Executive Director of Ascend and CEO of ASI, tells SeehaferNews.com that this is a natural expansion of the work they already do with people diagnosed with mental or physical disabilities.
“Obtaining employment for some individuals may require soft skill training. We can be their starting point with that, as well as providing short-term work opportunities to them,”Genske explained. “We can also be a place for those exiting the full-time workforce.”
ASI Employment Manufacturing, LLC will assume existing production and subcontracting workloads previously operated under Ascend Services’ nonprofit production program, while advancing a new, sustainable model focused on skill development, hands‑on training, and community employment pathways.
ASI Employment Manufacturing will offer short‑term work experience for individuals from the broader community who are seeking to build skills, gain confidence, and prepare for future employment.
This inclusive approach strengthens pathways to independence and supports workforce participation across diverse populations.
The operation will be located at 822 South 13th Street, which was Ascend’s former plant two location, and Dale Cayemberg will serve as the Chief Operations Officer.
Ascend and ASI plan to help many different groups of people in the Manitowoc area, including those who are well along in their recovery journey.
In fact, they brought this announcement to a group of people on that journey, and the reaction was very good.
“After the meeting…they were talking with friends, we heard the printers are going,” Cayemberg recalled. “I think I had five applications already on my desk the next day.”
This is not intended to be a “handout” of sorts, but rather a “hand up”, as these contracts are short-term and designed to prove to employers that these people are viable employees who want to be a part of the workforce.
“They do need to do the work. It is going to be back on them to fulfil this contract,” Cayemberg explained. “It’s not going to be, hey, here it is. I showed up. It’s not that way. They have to fulfil it. It is going to be part of the whole process.”
ASI is accepting applications for this short-term work opportunity, with most of the positions being part-time.
Cayemberg said, “We’re going to put a team together every day, a combination of multiple people to fulfil our partners’ needs on assembling parts…about ten individuals a day overall. There might be 30 to 40 individuals on the payroll to start.”
Those who wish to apply for a job with ASI Employment Manufacturing LLC, or who wish to learn more, can stop into the Ascend Services Office, located at 2818 Meadow Lane in Manitowoc, where you can also view the brand new mural, which was completed over the weekend.
You can also contact Genske at dgenske@ascendservicesinc.org.
