Income Opportunities Unlimited | Community Integration for Adults
INCOME OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED (IOU)
IOU is an integrated education, work and community service within CACS for adults with developmental disabilities. CACS founded IOU customized employment development with the goal of providing income generating opportunities for all. Wage-based employment is not always possible for everyone. IOU assists people with disabilities to earn income through microenterprise business ownership or joining with other entrepreneurs in a cooperative. CACS is an active member of CAMEO, California Association for Microenterprise Opportunity. Contact IOU and Daniel Reichling, Director of IOU and Director of Day Services at (415) 479-2210.
Others may see people with disabilities, we see future business owners.
Current IOU supported businesses include:
- Dusty's Puppets (see photo above). Owner Dusty provides puppet shows for very young children, sells puppets, and makes presentations to groups about her experience with starting her microenterprise. You can call Dusty's Puppets at (415) 479-1993. Here is a Link to learn more about Dusty's microenterprise and Link here to Visit Dusty's website
- Michael Valcour, a baritone who sings opera professionally at events and parties throughout California. You can learn more about Michael's story at this link: Michael Valcour's Story and another Michael's concert at College of Marin. Michael appears in the documentary ARTS by Keri Bowers previewed in October 2008. Here is a link to the YouTube ARTS preview. Michael sings in the last few seconds of the clip.
- Three Vending Machines operated by three separate individuals (see photo above). Made possible by a grant from the Golden Gate Regional Center. They are installed in office break rooms in three businesses in Marin County.
- Downtown Mia Brown. Original art with vibrant colors and designs painted by Mia Brown using a head wand. A painting by Mia won a blue ribbon at the 2009 Marin County Fair. Her first solo art show Opening Party is Dec. 1, 5 to 7 p.m. at the CACS office 35 Mitchell Blvd. Suite 8, San Rafael. Paintings, scarves, bookmarks and greeting cards will be displayed and for sale. Show runs through Dec.18 and is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: Donna Dutton (415) 479-2210. Link to Mia's website
- Keep Marin Green Cooperative with seven members.
About Keep Marin Green Link to Keep Marin Green flyer
 As part of IOU, CACS started Keep Marin Green, the first cooperative owned and governed by people with developmental disabilities. Seven co-op members collect universal waste from Marin businesses and then deliver or ship to licensed recyclers. Members can sell their shares, new members buy-in as shares become available. If you are a business owner and would like to learn more about how Keep Marin Green can help you reduce your carbon footprint please contact Keep Marin Green at (415) 479-2210.
Photo Right: Keep Marin Green Co-op members at the IOU office that includes KMG area for receiving and packing for shipping to recyclers.
Hybrid SUV wanted for Keep Marin Green co-op
Keep Marin Green would like to find one or more corporate sponsors or funders who would purchase or provide matching funds for a hybrid SUV so that the cooperative members could collect universal waste and deliver to recyclers in a fuel efficient vehicle. If you are interested in partnering with Keep Marin Green, contact our Development Director at (415) 499-1116x499.
History of IOU
Since 1995, IOU (formerly Adult Day Services or Adult Community Services - ACS) has offered adults with developmental disabilities support in pursuing their educational careers at local colleges or through other adult education opportunities. IOU assists individuals in everyday activities including errands and leisure activities at the YMCA or at community centers. IOU facilitates making friends and connections in the community. Job opportunities both paid and unpaid are provided in a variety of community sites. Some CACS participants are employed through Pacific Diversified Services, Inc. in San Rafael. To learn more about PDS employment and community inclusion check out their website at www.pdsmarin.org.
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION FOR ADULTS (CIFA)
Some individuals choose to have community experiences without earning income. CIFA provides integrated education and community inclusion for adults with developmental disabilities who require additional support and flexible schedules due to therapeutic and medical needs.
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