In the late 1950's St. Charles advocates for the disabled, Jane Crider and Margaret Holmes saw a need for their community to better serve the disabled population. They believed that each person, regardless of their disability, had the right to lead a productive life, utilizing their abilities and skills. In September of 1959 the ladies gave life to this idea by setting up shop in the basement of a St. Charles home where they employed one disabled adult to help make candles. News of the opportunity spread and soon more disabled workers joined the operation. On March 1st, 1960 Jane Crider, Margaret Holmes and 7 other community activists incorporated the small business as Boone Center, Inc. Backed with board members' personal loans and proceeds from the candle-making business, the company purchased the Hilltop Candle franchise, and made a down payment on a building at 11 East Chauncey to house their growing operations. In the early years the company expanded its services to include furniture re-finishing and repair. Community groups organized an annual Flea Market and other fund-raisers donating proceeds to the workshop. Local businesses were skeptical at first, but gradually gained confidence as Boone Center's employees proved they were a high quality and competent work force. By 1984 Boone Center, Inc. was operating out of three facilities in St. Charles County and the demand for sheltered employment continued to increase.

In the early 90's Boone Center broadened its scope of job opportunities by purchasing automated packaging equipment, opening doors in the contract packaging market. To grow the business and meet the needs of an increasing disabled workforce, the company consolidated its workshops in 1995 with the construction of a new production facility in St. Peters. Construction of an additional 43,000 square foot warehouse adjacent to the current facility followed in 2003.

Since its inception in 1959 as a one-employee candle-making shop, Boone Center Sheltered Workshop (now known as BCI) has become one of the leading contract packaging facilities in Missouri, employing over 200 people with disabilities and managing the value-added packaging needs of its customers. This growth has enabled BCI to expand the services it offers to the community and put millions of dollars back into the local economy.

Looking forward to the future with the support of our local community and business partners, BCI has exciting ground breaking plans to expand the services we offer to both employees and customers to even greater heights.

Experience BCI yourself! Schedule a tour of our facility , meet our staff, and see our operations in action! We also have an online virtual tour for your convenience.