Just-A-Buck isn’t the average dollar store.  Everything here is just $1 all the time despite the sticker price.

 This local not-for-profit mission driven dollar store operated by Community, Work & Independence Inc. is employing people of all abilities.

The mission is to help all individuals achieve their personal potential.  Just-A-Buck integrates individuals with disabilities into their community assisting them with developing job skills and building interpersonal relationships.  The associates are trained to stock shelves, clean, run the cash registers and provide customer service.  The store offers party supplies and other merchandise typical of dollar stores.  We are best known for offering closeout items, at only $1 from major retailers.

On Tuesday, March 28th Just-A-Buck was featured live on WTEN in an effort to raise awareness during National Disabilities Awareness Month! #DDawareness17  Click the link below to watch a compilation video that aired during their afternoon segment:

Local business offering inclusive opportunities

It has been thirty years since President Ronald Reagan declared March National Disabilities Awareness month as he called upon Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential.

There are approximately 4 million Americans who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Prejudices against individuals deemed “different” has slowed the progress of individuals preventing their full inclusion into the community.

Statistics released by the Department of Labor indicate that in February 2017 the unemployment rate for people  over the age of 16 with disabilities was 10.2% compared to 4.7% for people without disabilities.  Stereotypes remain contributing to the high unemployment rate much has changed over the years.

There is improved inclusion of individuals with disabilities in communities from national deinstitutionalization.  Increased numbers of individuals living in the community and organizations like Community, Work & Independence continue to push for greater inclusiveness, job training, and residential supports to allow individuals with differing abilities more opportunities.

Our goal  is to create awareness around developmental disabilities, tell stories of people who live with a disability and show their lives.  Locally, CWI supports over 1,200 individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

https://www.dol.gov/odep/