History

Four decades ago, Ruben Bonk found himself in the basement of a local church solemnly observing six grown men stringing beads. While he watched, he kept thinking: there has to be a better option for these men and for his son, a student with special needs, who would graduate from Buffalo High School in three short months. However, he soon discovered this was the only program available locally to serve individuals with barriers to obtaining competitive employment.

Ruben’s visit to that church basement sparked an idea; from that idea came a vision; and that vision became a reality when Functional Industries was incorporated on January 25, 1973.

Ruben served as the Chairperson of Functional Industries’ Board of Directors from its inception until, when at the age of ninety, he retired after thirty-seven years of dedicated service. Many things have changed since 1973. However, one thing that has not changed and will not change is Functional Industries’ commitment to its mission: "To create and promote innovative opportunities that reveal the natural potential of each person we serve."