Community Corner

Gifts From Abilis [VIDEO]

Agency for disabled sets up gift shop to create jobs and provide unique gifts for the community.

 

Piano sonatas wafted through the parking area that once was filled with nothing more than a pile of seasoned firewood. In the background clients and staff of Abilis, the agency that provides job training and placement for the disabled, celebrated the opening of Abilis Gifts.

Abilis Gifts is a nifty little shop tucked behind the greenhouse of the service's headquarters at 50 Glenville St. in the heart of the Glenville neighborhood of Greenwich. About 100 supporters and local officials stopped by and filled shopping bags with reasonably-priced handmade soaps, jewelry, customized refrigerator magnets made from bottle caps and wine corks, handknitted washclothes, sachets, wine glass charms, key fobs, and pet accessories ranging from collars and leashes to neckerchiefs.

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The champagne-kissed ribbon cutting—presided over by First Selectman Peter Tesei—was the culmination of three years of planning, product development and testing, and training of Abilis clients who make the products sold in the shop that once was a potting shed for the agency's greenhouse operations.

"The people we support were the first to lose their jobs...this is about mini entrepreneurship—products that people with disabilities can create," explained Lolli Ross, Abilis' executive director. In addition to making the crafts, Abilis clients receive training to work as cashiers, store greeters, sales associates, production and packaging, with the goal of attaining jobs in the professional world.

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"This is wonderful. There is such a variety," Natalie Frenz said as she browsed the opening day sale.

Abilis Gifts has about 20 employees and is an effort that compliments other services already offered by the 60-year-old agency. Abilis also has crews who provide lawn services including mowing and debris cleanup, said Chris Hadin who oversees the greenhouse operations, and is leading a microgreen gardening program he hopes will become a commercial operation providing tender sprouts to restaurants and caterers.

"There is a job for every level of ability," Hadin said. The greenhouse operation is gearing up for approaching holiday sales that are to feature pumpkins, poinsettias, and wreaths.

  • Abilis Gifts, 50 Glenville St., Greenwich.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday through Friday; 203-531-4438.
  • www.abilis.us


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