Parish residents with mental and physical disabilities now have more employment opportunities thanks to the Arc of St. Charles.
The organization’s newest venture, Hope Enterprises, provides these individuals with the chance to earn a weekly paycheck by sorting Mardi Gras beads, shredding company documents and making soy candles.
“Hope Enterprises differs from the other Arc of St. Charles business programs because it offers an off-site, freestanding location with a professional atmosphere,” said Charlotte Middleton, executive assistant for the Arc. “Our workers feel that difference and are proud to say they are going to their ‘office.’”
The idea for the business follows the national trend to brand the products and services offered by agencies that support people with disabilities.
“Hope Enterprises offers soy candles and craft items like speciality frames,” added Middleton. “And our shredding service gives an ongoing activity to the individuals during their work hours and provides local businesses with secure disposal.”
The hourly wages paid to the workers is determined by how productive they are throughout each work day.
“Some of the workers at Hope Enterprises spend their day preparing documents for shredding followed by the shredding process,” Middleton said. “Some sort and package beads for sale while others assist with candle making.
“They are paid only for the time they are producing, and as the soy candles are marketed and sold, the workers are eager to make more.”
Middleton says that St. Charles’ newest business can change the lives of challenged workers across the parish.
“It helps residents who are not able to find employment in larger, private companies in the area,” she said. “The simple support they receive at Hope Enterprises allows them to proudly accomplish something and make their day worthwhile.”
Destrehan’s Gretchen Doyle, 24, first became involved with the Arc of St. Charles in 2008 when she joined the organization’s summer camp program. Now, she is working for the first time at Hope Enterprises.
“This is my first job and I like working here because it makes me feel like an adult,” Doyle said. “My favorite job to do is sort out the Mardi Gras beads. I pull out the short ones first, then group them together.”
Future endeavors for Hope Enterprises includes recruiting local businesses to assist with the purchase and distribution of the organization’s “Flames of Hope” soy candles.
“The response from the community is growing,” Middleton said. “And the future for the workers at Hope Enterprises depends on the ingenuity and creativity of the support staff and volunteers from the community.
“The ribbon cutting event was very well attended and we made many contacts.”
Middleton says that the Arc of St. Charles hopes this new business will open the door to the community, allowing them to see how the group helps parish citizens.
“Everyone can get involved with Hope Enterprises as either a worker or volunteer.”
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