Frank (pictured) has been working at Production Unlimited for 12 years.

He makes plastic pockets for the folders and binders that come out of the shop.

He's one of 130 employees who work at the facility.

They're all clients of the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center, which runs the shop.

Production Unlimited is what's called a 'sheltered workshop', a place where people with disabilities can work. 

"We recognize that for many families and many individuals this is an important choice among the spectrum of work opportunities that are available for people. Not everybody wants to work in the community or will have the ability to work in the community," said Maureen Cean, JRC's Director of Habilitative Services.

On the other hand, there are those who say sheltered workshops should employ only the people with the lowest skill levels and those who need the most training and support.
 
The argument is one justification for the state's decision to cut funding for the workshop by a third - a total of $400,000 a year.

It's enough of a loss to make a big dent any business, but JRC officials say they have no plans to close the shop or lay off any employees.

Administrators are already looking for new funding sources.

That said, some of the people who are used to working at Production Unlimited will find themselves doing different jobs soon.

"Certainly there's going to need to be some changes.  We won't be able to maintain the same number of individuals working a full-time status," said Cean.

The JRC says it will now have to place some of its clients out of the workshop and into other jobs in the community.