Congratulations to Cottonwood Inc., which celebrated the grand opening of a new building Friday. The 16,000-square-foot building will provide additional space for the work programs Cottonwood runs for people with developmental disabilities.

Cottonwood serves more than 600 people with disabilities, including about 100 people in its work program. Among its main jobs is stitching together military cargo straps. Cottonwood workers stitched their 2 millionth strap last May and are in the middle of a five-year, $50 million contract with the U.S. military to continue their work.

The work program at Cottonwood employs people who probably wouldn’t be able to find work anywhere else, giving them the dignity and income that goes with holding a job. The military contract is a good example of Cottonwood workers being able to enter the workforce in a meaningful way.

Cottonwood’s mission is “Helping people with disabilities shape their own future.” The community should applaud the efforts of this nonprofit agency to promote the talents and enhance the lifestyle of people with disabilities.