Mission and values
Mission and values
APAM is an ETA — Tailored Work Company (formerly “sheltered workshop”) — whose mission is to provide fulfilling jobs to 140 workers with disabilities: genuine integration into the world of work, financial autonomy and an activity tailored to their capacities. These workers have salaried-worker status.
65+
years of experience
140
workers with disabilities
27
professional supervisors
11
volunteer board members
Our values
Respect
Individual development
Initiative
Mutual aid
Customer satisfaction
… all with a touch of humour
Our story
APAM’s story begins in 1959, when several parents of mentally disabled children joined forces to find them a living environment and an occupation suited to their needs. Until then, these young people were condemned to inactivity and very often institutionalised.
Belgium’s first sheltered workshop
After a study visit to the Netherlands, Mrs C. Lambert-Vinchent created, in the basement of her own home, Belgium’s first sheltered workshop for people with mental disabilities: APAM. The workshop started with 7 workers aged 16 to 27.
APAM professionalises
The workforce grew quickly. In 1961, APAM moved into 600 m² of premises; in 1963 the workforce became mixed. Semi-automatic machines improved output and quality in packaging, electricity and mailing. In 1968, APAM moved to Ixelles (1,575 m², extended to 2,580 m² in 1990).
Ever more spacious workshops
In 1999, APAM moved to 130 chaussée de Drogenbos in Uccle: a 6,000 m² industrial site with vast warehouses and premises suited to food packaging and woodworking. In 2010, a neighbouring site on rue de Calevoet was acquired for the Gardens & Landscapes section.
Belgium’s first sheltered workshop
APAM now counts 140 workers with different types of disability (mental, sensory, psychiatric…), supervised by a team of professionals.
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