About Embark Supported Employment

Empowering People Through Meaningful Work

Embark Supported Employment supports individuals with disabilities as they discover their strengths, achieve meaningful employment, and build fulfilling, independent lives within their communities.

Embark Supported Employment

Our Purpose

At Embark Supported Employment, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to discover and achieve meaningful employment and become confident, active members of their communities. With more than five decades of service in the Superior, WI area, we passionately support people as they build skills, find work they enjoy, and pursue a fulfilling life.

Our Vision

We envision a community where people with disabilities are working in the employment of their choice, expanding their experiences and opportunities, contributing as productive community members, and living their dreams every day.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple but powerful: Supporting individuals as they discover their dreams through meaningful employment and community engagement. We walk alongside each person to help them identify goals, build job skills, and achieve independence and confidence in the workforce.

The Values That Drive Us

At Embark, our work is guided by core values that shape how we support participants, collaborate with partners, and serve the community

Professional Ethics

Honest, thoughtful, and respectful communication and conduct.

Respect

Valuing every individual and relationship we serve.

Teamwork

Working together to create positive experiences and outcomes.

Trust

Acting with integrity and reliability in all we do.

Safe & Supportive Environment

Ensuring a welcoming space for participants, families, partners, and staff.

Our Journey Through the Years

Since 1966, Embark Supported Employment has grown alongside our community adapting, evolving, and strengthening our commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through meaningful work and inclusive opportunities.

2026

A Legacy of Support

In 2026 Embark will be celebrating 60 years of serving and supporting our participants in the Superior Community. Throughout the year we will be highlighting our amazing community partners that allow us to do the work we do, the partnerships in our community that help our participants reach their goals of learning and growth. We will be recommitting to our mission of a community that embraces those with disabilities to be as independent as possible. Watch for events and celebrations in the months to come.

2021

A New Chapter Begins

In 2020, Embark rebranded to better reflect our mission and growth. The name Embark Supported Employment represents the journey our participants take toward meaningful, community-integrated employment. Our tagline, Work. With a Purpose., reflects our commitment to supporting individuals as they build skills, gain independence, and pursue their dreams with confidence.

2020

A Time of Transformation

In 2020, Embark navigated unprecedented change and emerged stronger. Under the leadership of Executive Director Ashby Rawstern, we adapted during the pandemic, welcomed a new administrative and management team, and restructured our services to better support participants.

We discontinued the 14c commensurate wage program and introduced Community Prevocational Programming, offering participants hands-on exposure to a variety of businesses and career paths. Through new partnerships, enhanced services, and a renewed focus on quality support, we evolved while staying true to our core values, mission, and commitment to the individuals we serve.

2016

Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Celebrated our 50th anniversary, marking five decades of providing meaningful support, skill development, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to grow, work, and thrive within their communities.

1990

A New Home for Growth

We outgrew our old location and decided to build a new location at 2320 Hill Ave. Services were moved to the new location in 1991. We continued to grow our enclave services and offerings for the people we served.

1980

Expanding Into the Community

1971

A New Identity

In 1971, the organization officially changed its name to Superior Vocations Center Inc., reflecting its growing mission to provide meaningful vocational opportunities and skill development for individuals with disabilities. This change marked a step forward in our commitment to empowering participants to explore their potential and engage more fully in the community.

1966

Founded to Serve the Community

Superior Sheltered Industries was created out of a community need. Parents of children with disabilities had concerns because there was nowhere for someone with a disability to go after graduating high school. The building was located at 431 Tower Ave in Superior, WI.

Be Part of Our Story

For decades, Embark Supported Employment has been built on community, partnership, and belief in what’s possible. Whether you’re an individual seeking support, an employer looking to create inclusive opportunities, or a community partner, your involvement helps shape the next chapter of our story.