Entrepreneurs Reach One Year Milestone
www.dailyrecord.com article June 16, 2009 Community Options, Inc. Reader Submitted
Entrepreneurs Reach One Year Milestone
Presents of Mind, a trendy, boutique-style gift shop that employs people with disabilities in Flanders, NJ, is celebrating its 1- year anniversary in June.
What makes this a significant milestone for this local gift shop is the fact that in addition to selling unique gifts, they also provide a valuable service to the community. Presents of Mind is owned by Community Options Enterprises, Inc. a non-profit organization that develops entrepreneurial businesses that provide job training and employment to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Presents of Mind employs several adults with disabilities as retail associates in the store. They are given the opportunity to work with cross-trained employment specialists who have experience in both retail and job training. All of the functions of a typical business are incorporated into the training program at Presents of Mind, including sales, inventory, maintenance, and design. People then take what they learn at Presents of Mind, and work with Community Options to secure community based jobs in the retail and service industries.
“What we really want is for local communities to know that we are here, and learn about what we are doing. Given the choice, I think most people would gladly support this enterprise. On our end, we promise to continue to offer a great selection of gifts, with excellent customer service” says Chris Dixon, Executive Director of Community Options Enterprises, Inc.
Some companies are starting to take notice. Presents of Mind was recently granted a lifetime gold membership to the award-winning web-hosting company Volusion, to run their website. Other sites hosted by Volusion have included Disney, the Obama campaign, and the Chicago Tribune.
In honor of their 1st year anniversary, Presents of Mind will hold an anniversary sale from June 25 30, 2009.
For more information or to shop online visit www.presentsofmind.org, or stop in and see them at the Mall at 206, on Rt. 206 S in Flanders, NJ.