Looking for some help

[darthspud]

Hi everyone!
I generally don't post on the disabilities board but I do read it frequently. I have worked in the human services field for about 7 years.. all 7 years as a PCA 3.5 years as a day habilitiation specialist and 3 years working at a private special ed school just recently been promoted to being a job coach in our vocational department.. my heart has always been in working with adult with developmental disabilities ...

I've kinda had this dream / wish/ desire to start my own non profit opening a bakery that is primarily staffed by folks who need just a little bit more help to find / obtain meaningful employment it would be a place to teach / improve all skills across the board but I have no idea where to start! I know this won't happen over night I figuring this will be a few years in the making ...

does any one have any advice or knowledge they can share?

Thanks every one

 

[bookwormde]

Welcome

You need a buisness plan that is sustainable. In most states there are lots of grant, councils and non profits (and some for profit) organizations which can provide seed money for ideas like yours, there are even contract services that will help support it once it is established.

Bookwormde

 

[WheeledTraveler]

bookworm is definitely correct on the getting funding for business side of things.

For other questions, you might want to get in touch with some of the groups already out there doing similar things.

A couple I know of:
Roses for Austism - http://rosesforautism.com/ - a flower farm that employs autistic adults.

Highland Rose Design - http://highlandrosesdesign.com/ - was originally a crafting group aimed at developmentally disabled adults, but now they run their own business selling intricate fabric ornaments.

You might want to get in touch with some of the CILs in your area to see if they are aware of similar projects nearby so that you could talk to people familiar with anything specific to your area that would need to get done in terms of administration.

 

[forr2grls]

From the mother of a 12 yr old cognitively delayed daughter-No knowledge or advice,just a great big thank you for having this as your dream.

Paula

 

[kirstenb1]

When we lived in Virginia Beach many years ago, there was the exact thing you're describing. It was called the Sugarplum Bakery. Not sure if it's still there, but you may want to google it.

 

[brat]

Read as much as you can, get info from bakers and those who run sheltered workshops, use the knowledge you have. Visit other sheltered workshops/independant living centers.Decide if you are profit or nonprofit.Know you can do it when you are ready.
Down here we have a DD and other sp. needs landscape group that does good work.