Nonprofits expand services for disabled

Full Citizenship Inc., a provider of job services for people with disabilities, is merging with another Lawrence-based organization with hopes for expanding programs for clients and businesses.

As of April 1, Full Citizenship’s seven employees and $200,000 annual budget became a division of Independence Inc., which has 30 employees and $3.8 million in revenues. Both are nonprofit operations.

By joining Independence Inc., Full Citizenship looks to add to its programs that last year placed 75 people in jobs at 75 companies in Douglas and Franklin counties.

Full Citizenship helps people with physical, developmental and mental disabilities find, secure and maintain jobs. Participating companies pay employees’ wages, then receive tax credits to help defray costs.

Full Citizenship will remain at the United Way center, 2518 Ridge Court, until space can be arranged at Independence Inc.’s headquarters at 2001 Haskell Ave.