Non-Profit Gift Shop in Flanders to Hold Grand Re-Opening Ceremony
April 22, 2022 | Press Release.pdf
Mount Olive, NJ – Presents of Mind, a non-profit gift shop that provides employment and training for people with disabilities, will hold a grand re-opening ceremony on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 5:30pm. The event will unveil the re-designed space and the launch of a new online store.
Presents of Mind, located at the Mall at 206 in Flanders, is operated by Community Options Enterprises, a national nonprofit that develops housing and employment for 5,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The store first opened in 2008 to give people with disabilities opportunities to work in an integrated setting and earn a competitive wage. The store currently employs 15 people with disabilities who work alongside people without disabilities.
“I love being here at Presents of Mind,” said Susan Clavadetscher, a longtime employee. “My favorite thing to do is sort the new inventory and to see the customers.”
Susan has worked at Presents of Mind for 13 years. While at work, she receives job coaching from Community Options’ employees. Over the years, she has learned point of safe software use, customer service skills, online order processing, inventory management, and other transferrable skills.
“People with disabilities are often left out of the workforce,” said Dina Casalaspro, Managing Director for Community Options Enterprises. “Because of their lack of experience, many times the hardest part for them is to get an interview. Presents of Mind gives them a chance to build their resumes while earning a real paycheck.”
Presents of Mind sells high-end gifts, including home decorations, pet products, and gifts for all occasions and holidays. In anticipation of the grand re-opening, the store improved its inventory and is launching a new online store at www.presentsofmind.org.
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About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 40 offices across 10 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the #AllItTakes campaign, search #AllItTakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.