CHICAGO (CBS) — A program to assist folks with particular wants acquire vocational expertise is rising in Wheaton.
It is referred to as the Doodlebug Workshop.
Sandra Starke began this system by utilizing her son and his nickname as inspiration when Alex was about to age out of the varsity system.
It is a state of affairs many dad and mom of children with particular wants discover themselves on this time of 12 months.
Sanding, drilling, and hammering are all elements of the woodworking vocational program at Doodlebug Workshop. Starke knew nothing about when she began in 2017.
“There was a studying curve,” she mentioned. “It is actually sort of cool. It is spectacular that we had this concept and turned it right into a Fundamental Avenue initiative. It is simply been actually wonderful.”
They’ve a couple of dozen folks within the vocational program working side-by-side with instructors.
And 345 folks, ages 16 to 64, took half of their day program final 12 months, coming in teams to be taught the fundamentals.
Their wares go on the market within the entrance retailer room.
“Mainly, I prefer it once you put the handles on,” mentioned Dana Strubing, a vocational program participant.
Utilizing the gross sales to offset prices for his or her nonprofit.
Doodlebug Workshop is increasing and opening a web based retailer within the subsequent month or so, that means individuals right here can even begin to choose up e-commerce expertise.
“There may be pleasure in that. And also you discuss to clients. And so they inform them how they made it and what went into making the venture. That is enjoyable to observe,” Starke mentioned.
As Starkes discovered, you possibly can change lives one instrument at a time.