Island Furniture has been operating in St. John’s for more than 30 years. Although many customers are familiar with Island Furniture’s products, most are not aware of the history and vision of the company.

In 1979 the late Paul E. Walsh founded Island Furniture, a furniture manufacturing company employing developmentally disabled individuals. The objective of this newly established organization was to become a viable business entity creating “real jobs” for developmentally delayed persons. Since its inception, Island Furniture has evolved from a manufacturing to retail furniture store and has expanded to become the significant local business it is today, helping supply the demand for a wide choice of furnishing products. Island Furniture continues the vision of the late Mr. Walsh and currently employs 10 developmentally delayed individuals throughout all division of the company. Since 2000, Island Furniture has dispersed in excess of 3.2 million to various Supported Employment Agencies, business and charitable organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador: in turn, the funding has provided more than 1000 job placements for developmentally disabled persons with a percentage outside the St. John’s area. Job placements give developmentally delayed individuals the opportunity to gain valuable exposure to the workplace, strengthen interpersonal skills and build self confidence.

With the current labour shortage Newfoundland and Labrador is facing today, it is the prime time for companies to introduce Supported Employment into their organizations. We at Island Furniture believe that our employment model is beneficial for everyone involved; it is our goal to educate and challenge the business community to act right now and see the potential in this type of employment model.