Boca Raton FL – November 24, 2020 – Just in time for holiday gift giving season, Unicorn Children’s Foundation has launched an online marketplace for talented artisans with developmental or learning disorders and those looking to support the mission of providing opportunities for individuals with special needs. While the Uniquely Gifted Boutique was expected to open as a brick and mortar storefront in 2020, the pandemic has required a shift in implementation. Etsy provides a platform to remain on course and has allowed us to expand vendor sources nationwide with products created by similar organizations supporting individuals with special needs.
Despite a willingness and desire to go to work, nearly half of those without a job say that they would like one, yet the employment rate of people with disabilities is just 37.8%. The Uniquely Gifted Boutique emphasizes the value of re-thinking employment with a focus on providing creative solutions rather than exacerbating poor outcomes. Several partners are collaborating to increase employment options and supply products to the Uniquely Gifted Boutique Etsy Store, including: Aspire Accessories, Doapy Soapy, DOGGY Delights BY Allison, Milli Hershman, and ScentsAbility Candles. Consumers can shop for handmade candles, jewelry, accessories, dog treats, and soap, and know that their purchase will change the lives of young adults with special needs.
Sharon Alexander, CEO of The Unicorn Children's Foundation, looks to promote community collaboration when facing such a complex issue. "The pandemic has posed additional barriers for a group of individuals already facing struggles with obtaining and maintaining traditional employment. We are so excited to showcase innovative career solutions for individuals with special needs.” The Foundation is hosting two campaigns to showcase the new marketplace: Gifts That Give Back for Small Business Saturday and a Launch Party on December 3rd as part of The Creative Workforce Solutions Summit, a conference aimed to support new and growing special needs focused businesses.
The online marketplace is just one of the foundation’s ventures to support innovative employment solutions for individuals with special needs. Unicorn Children’s Foundation looks to offer in-person employment training at 2 anchor social enterprises at the Unicorn Connection Center – Special Percs Café and the Uniquely Gifted Boutique and Art Studio. The Unicorn Connection Center is a one-stop shop where community members with special needs can connect, foster relationships, build community, and enhance their health and well-being by participating in programs, activities and events in an inclusive setting.
About the Unicorn Children’s Foundation Unicorn Children's Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to building communities of acceptance, support, and opportunity for kids and young adults who are challenged by special needs and neurodiversity by supporting or developing its cradle to career pathways. Our initiatives connect families to community resources, advocate for inclusive opportunities, respect differences, empower individuals, and support success. With 1 in 6 children being diagnosed with a developmental or learning disorder, we believe it is our responsibility to create a world where all children’s potential can flourish. To learn more about the Unicorn Children's Foundation visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org. Also available on Facebook and Twitter.
