Jon owns a vending machine microenterprise business. Mia earns income through the sale of her art. Dusty is the owner of Dusty's Puppets microenterprise and travels to Marin County Farmer's Markets; Krystal, Secretary of Keep Marin Green cooperative, processes ewaste for delivery to recyclers.
ADULT DAY SERVICES CACS' Adult Day Services is an integrated education, work and community service within CACS for adults with developmental disabilities. Contact Daniel Reichling, Director of Day Services at (415) 499-1116 ext. 672.
ADULT COMMUNITY SERVICES (ACS)
Since 1995 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. ACS assists individuals in everyday activities including errands and leisure activities at the YMCA or at community centers. ACS facilitates making friends and connections in the community. Job opportunities both paid and unpaid are provided in a variety of community sites. Wage based employment is not possible for everyone. In 2007, CACS began to explore ways for clients to earn income through business ownership or membership in a cooperative and founded IOU.
INCOME OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED (IOU) CACS founded IOU customized employment development in 2007 with the goal of providing income generating opportunities for all. 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.
Others may see people with disabilities, we see future business owners.
Current IOU supported businesses include:
Dusty's Puppets (see photo above). Dusty provides puppet shows for very young children, sells puppets, and makes presentations to groups about her experience starting her microenterprise. Contact Dusty's Puppets at (415) 479-1993. Link: Dusty's website, Link: learn more about Dusty's microenterprise.
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.
Listen to Michael on YouTube
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 and installed in office break rooms in Marin County.
Downtown Mia Brown. Original art with vibrant colors and designs painted by Mia Brown using a head wand. Contact: Donna Dutton (415) 479-2210. Link to Mia's website
Changing One Mind At A Time (COMAAT).Universal ability consulting. Jennifer Walsh offers consultation, training, presentations, accessible documents and webinars on universal ability awareness, inclusion, and effective communication. Link:www.comaat.biz
Keep Marin Green cooperative 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. Co-op members collect universal waste from Marin businesses and then deliver or ship to licensed recyclers. 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 Julio Lopez, Jr. at (415) 479-2210. Jared Huffman presented a Sustainable North Bay Award to KMG in 2009.
Hybrid truck, SUV or Van needed for co-op
Help KMG co-op members reduce vehicle expenses for gas & reduce carbon emissions. Donate a used hybrid in good running condition or provide matching funds for purchase of a hybrid vehicle for use by clients in Day Services which include KMG cooperative members. Contact our Development Director at (415) 499-1116x499.
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION FOR ADULTS (CIFA) CIFA provides integrated education and community inclusion for adults with developmental disabilities who require additional support due to therapeutic and medical needs.
