Our journey

  What began as a career in the teaching profession led to the creation of a self-contained, multiple-disability program in a local high school. The program not only addressed life skills, but also, addressed employment skills for the students involved. The program in the high school was created with the hopes of helping the students prepare and be able to attain employment and be functioning members of society. While in high school the students created a line of giftware that they designed, produced, packaged, and sold to retail stores in the community. Depending on their abilities and skills, some designed products, some fabricated the products, packaged and tagged the products, while others kept track of production, inventory, sales, and profits. Local stores carried the products and sold a great deal of the items. It was evident that the products are worthy of resale in high-end gift shops. There is a need and place for these young adults in our community in a retail setting.

In the absence of training programs and businesses willing to train and employ young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the decision was made to start a business to help them reach their potential. The business' framework is set up to address unique and varied impairments by targeting communication, social skills, and self-management.  It is designed to prepare them for working in the community.