By Wendy Elliott
welliott@kingscountynews.ca
NovaNewsNow.com
Flowercart executive director Roger Tatlock says that the sales of goods and services produced by Flowercart clients was worth $1.49 million in 2011-2012.
“Our job developers are finding jobs daily and they’re manifesting the dream we had 42 years ago.”
For over 40 years, the Flowercart has served hundreds of adults in a wide range of vocational options. During the last year, some 270 people with an intellectual disability took part in one of the four programs that are offered.
Tatlock, who has been director for two decades, told long-time supporters at the Wolfville Rotary Club that the non-profit organization now operates out of two buildings in New Minas.
The Flowercart is ready to retire the mortgage on its second facility and is talking to architects about a new property and structure.
He estimates the organization needs about 24,000 square feet of space to bring all its programs under one roof.
“Our goal is unfolding,” he said. “We’re going to be growing public awareness in the next few months.”
Any new facility, Tatlock said, will have to be on the Kings Transit bus route.
He noted that 56 clients are also working at the Michelin tire plant, along with four staff. Three more are employed at Just Us Coffee. The Flowercart operates a bakery called Baker’s Choice Fine Foods out of its original building, near the Ken-Wo Golf Course.
“We have so much to offer and we can easily serve more people.”
Through partnerships, he added, “lots of work is good.”
http://www.flowercart.ca
