South Lane Maintenance (SLM), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Lane County since 1981 has consolidated with Garten Services. This strategic partnership ensures the continuation of SLM’s impactful work, uniting the two organizations under Garten’s mission of supporting people with disabilities through employment, career, and retirement opportunities.

About South Lane Maintenance (SLM)

SLM’s journey began in October 1981 as the first demonstration site of the Oregon Mobile Crew Model, developed by the Specialized Training Program (STP) at the University of Oregon. Under the guidance of Chuck Dady, who worked with STP, the program initially employed 15 individuals with disabilities across three five-person landscaping crews.

On September 1, 1983, with strong support from local parents and community advocates, Chuck Dady formally established South Lane Maintenance as an independent non-profit organization. This initiative was driven by a collective belief in the value of inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities living in Lane County.

Under Chuck Dady’s dedicated leadership, SLM expanded significantly over the years. By 1993, the organization operated one janitorial crew and two landscaping crews, servicing 30 contracts with local businesses, apartment complexes, and private residences. Dady prioritized quality service and competitive pricing, ensuring customer satisfaction while focusing on the abilities of team members. Over the years, SLM experienced minimal employee turnover, reflecting a stable and committed workforce that values their earnings and takes great pride in their work.

During Dady’s more than 30 years of service, SLM grew to support three crews servicing over 60 contracts, offering some of the most competitive wages in the field of supported employment, including paid vacations. He actively engaged in discussions aimed at eliminating sub-minimum wages, championing equal pay for all employees, regardless of ability. Dady’s legacy of advocacy and commitment to inclusive employment continued beyond his passing in 2014.

Following Chuck Dady’s passing, Teri Liday assumed the role of Executive Director after serving for many years as an SLM Supervisor. Under her leadership, the organization eliminated subminimum wages, ensuring individuals with disabilities were compensated at least minimum wage for their hard work. Teri also guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the well-being and support of individuals served while maintaining high standards of service delivery across all crews.

The Consolidation with Garten Services

The consolidation with Garten Services—a non-profit organization that provides meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Oregon’s Willamette Valley—ensures that SLM’s mission and Dady’s vision will continue to live on. Garten Services shares SLM’s commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to their communities through employment.

SLM’s 14-person crew will be seamlessly integrated into Garten Services’ operations, maintaining existing contracts and delivering high-quality services to customers. This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding supported employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Lane County, ensuring that both organizations’ shared vision of inclusive employment continues to flourish.