Never one to shy away from a challenge, Challenge Enterprises of Clay County, retooled its sewing operation to make face masks in response to a COVID-19 community need.

Challenge Enterprises is partnering with several businesses and organizations to fulfill orders for face masks as they safeguard their employees in a pandemic economy. In fact, the entire workforce (about 400) at Community First Credit Union will have the dedicated team at Challenge Enterprises to thank for their protective face masks.

“Challenge Enterprise workers are making hundreds of masks for companies, organizations and first responders,” said Nancy Keating, CEO of Challenge Enterprises. “We are thrilled Community First asked us to create these masks for their frontline employees while keeping our sewing operation going… Providing these jobs for this often-underemployed part of our population is critical.” The nonprofit employs and finds employment for well over 200 people with differing abilities each year.

This isn’t the first time Challenge Enterprises has stepped up to a challenge to support front line community servants. Prior to retrofitting their sewing operation, Challenge Enterprises was hired to sew trauma packs for bulletproof vests worn by law enforcement personnel, as well as assemble a new innovation, 'sandless' sandbags. The nonprofit also has an impact on commodities distribution to senior centers in Clay County, which is needed now more than ever.

Through these and many other contracts, the nonprofit’s budget is nearly 90% self-generated.

"Connectable is proud of its partnership with Challenge Enterprises. Its employees of all abilities are serving a critical role in our community's response to COVID-19," said Sarah Troup, manager of Connectable. "Florida's First Coast will rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger together."