ABC Works, a DT&H program in LaCrescent, MN has operated a diaper service since 1989. The idea was actually generated from a staff member who felt it would provide a great opportunity for people with disabilities to meet some of their community based employment goals. As information was gathered from several diaper services throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, an opportunity to purchase an existing business was discovered. The business which included 12 customers and an inventory of diapers, was purchased and the folks in Houston County were in business!

The service was named Small Change, customers were contacted and a route day was selected. Participants accompanied staff to pick up the dirty diapers at each home and in return dripped a supply of clean diapers for the upcoming week. Color-coded clothespins were used to help participants independently identify which bags went to which customers. Next, it was off to the local laundry mat where diapers were counted. This routine continued for about a year, participants enjoyed interacting with the customers and also the persons and the other patrons in the laundry mat.

As the business grew, two more route days were added and a small building in LaCrescent was rented from Voss Construction. A donation was received from the local Eagles Club and a commercial washer and dryer was purchased along with an inventory of diapers and several carts to put the laundry in. The goal was to eventually have a customer base of 100. When customer numbers only reached 40, an alternative customer base was pursued. Soon the diaper serves evolved into a commercial laundry service and began laundering bed sheets, bath towels, kitchen towels and bar mops.

Today, the laundry service occupies a new site built in 1996 and continues to serve 17 diaper customers, 14 Subway stores, 23 schools, 9 senior nutrition sites and a motel o­n a regular basis. Participants continue to take part in loading and unloading the van as well as as the delivery and pick up of laundry three days a week. once in-center, staff count the soiled laundry and load the washer. Participants finish the work by unloading the washer and dryer and sorting, stacking and folding the clean laundry. The service has offered a variety of work for many participants throughout the years and continues to be a popular facet of the program.