These Bay Area Nonprofits Empower People with Disabilities in Business
At Hope Services, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive, both personally and professionally. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to a vibrant community of nonprofits that share our vision.
In this blog , we will highlight some of the remarkable Bay Area nonprofits that are nurturing greater autonomy, self-expression, and employment opportunities for people of all abilities. By supporting businesses and organizations that open doors for individuals with disabilities, you can directly contribute to their success and help create a more inclusive society.
1
Creative Growth is an art studio in Oakland that provides art therapy to people with disabilities. The studio was founded in 1974 by Elias Katz and Florence Ludins-Katz. The Creative Growth Studio is an open space, converted 12,000 square foot former auto repair shop, and is home to over 140 artists who work in a variety of media. It has been in operation for over 50 years, and it has helped thousands of people with disabilities express themselves through art.
2
ArtLifting in San Francisco is an online marketplace that sells artwork created by people with disabilities. The company’s mission is to promote the economic independence of artists with disabilities, and it has helped to sell over $1 million worth of artwork.
3
Ada’s Café in Palo Alto is a café dedicated to hiring, training and empowering employees with disabilities through food service. As the mother of a child with a developmental disability, Ada’s Founder, Kathleen, wanted to create opportunities to empower her son and help him be independent and was inspired to establish Ada’s Café to train and empower students with special needs. The café is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and it is a popular spot for people from all walks of life.
4
HopeTHRIFT is a thrift store with three locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, Fremont, and Watsonville. The store is diversely staffed by individuals of all abilities and exists to fund the work of its founding organization, Hope Services, with 100% of proceeds going to support programs and services that help people with disabilities. The store accepts donations and sells a variety of gently used items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods.
5
The San Francisco Disability Business Alliance (SFDBA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the economic empowerment of people with disabilities. The organization provides a number of resources to businesses owned by people with disabilities, including networking opportunities, training, and technical assistance.
6
Creativity Explored is a non-profit organization in San Francisco that provides art education and employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Creativity Explored has helped hundreds of people with disabilities discover their artistic talents and develop their creative skills. The organization’s artists have seen their work exhibited in museums, galleries, and art fairs in over 14 countries and have earned over $2.2 million from their art. The host frequent events where all are welcome to attend.
Learn more ways to advocate for and support the disability community at www.hopeservices.org/how-you-can-help
Read the latest from Hope Services
Opening Doors in Retail: Hope and Grocery Outlet Team Up
Hope Services is proud to spotlight the evolving success story of two remarkable participants receiving Community Employment Services at Hope. Kimmy and Therese have secured
Our Screen Time Philosophy: Supporting Connection Away from The Screen
Children and Family Services strives to provide the most current and comprehensive guidance and coaching to parents so that they may feel competent and masterful
Meet Sally: The Heart Behind Hope’s Longstanding Weekly Meditation Class
Since 1999, Sally has been a committed yogi, but it wasn’t until she became certified in “Yoga for the Special Child” in 2005 that she
Partnership with Mariners Church Brings Joy and Inclusion to Half Moon Bay Program
In the heart of Half Moon Bay, a special partnership between Mariners Church and Hope Services is redefining what it means to support individuals with
Tea Club Concludes 8-Week Exploration of Tea Culture from Around the Globe
In a vibrant celebration of global tea culture, Hope’s Senior Center Program Instructor, Shelly Hill, facilitated an extraordinary 8-week Tea Club program that offered its
Inclusive Employment: The Benefits for Businesses and Communities
I. Introduction II. Understanding Developmental Disabilities III. The Business Case for Inclusive Employment IV. Community and Economic Benefits V. Best Practices for Inclusive Hiring VI.