Lessons from the greenhouse

Local gardeners supply year-round greens and lots of encouragement, By C.G. Moore Augusta — Arthur & Friends supply hydroponically grown produce cultivated in their own greenhouse to local restaurants and to everyday people in Sussex County. That’s one thing the business is known for. But that is just one facet of this greenhouse. Arthur Blanchard is a man with a vision. He has Down Syndrome and for years worked in a sheltered environment. His vision of operating a business offering meaningful work for “differently-abled” individuals came to fruition with the birth of Arthur & Friends. With the guidance of his aunt, Wendie Blanchard, The Greenhouse Project became a reality and now employs a growing staff as well as welcomes volunteers to master work skills in a nurturing environment. The project represents opportunities that allow individuals with disabilities to contribute to their community, reach their potential, earn income and learn a trade. Growing and learning Mesculin mix, bok choi, micro greens, cilantro, swiss chard, bibb, romaine and much more grows in abundance at the hands of Arthur & Friends. An entrepreneurial program sponsored by NORWESCAP, Arthur & Friends is located at the Sussex County Fairgrounds and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patrons can browse the greenhouse and purchase a wide range of micro greens. Edible arrangements and herbal bouquets can be ordered and catering is available. For Arthur, the Greenhouse is “.. a dream come true! I work, friends surround me and we help the community. It really is a dream come true for me.” But it’s not only Arthur who has benefitted from this endeavor. “The project has helped so many with a variety of disabilities including autism and those with social limitations,” said Wendie Blanchard. “They interact, have hands-on projects, they work hard and are a big part of the business, and together we cultivate a better planet.” In a recent newsletter from Arthur & Friends, Wendie Blanchard offered this Top Ten list. Top 10 reasons to hire people with disabilities 1. Employees with disabilities can ease concerns about labor supply. 2. People with disabilities have equal or higher job performance ratings, higher retention rates and lower absenteeism. 3. Employees with disabilities can relate better to customers with disabilities, who represent $1 trillion in annual aggregate consumer spending. 4. Diverse work groups can create better solutions to business challenges. 5. People with disabilities are better educated than ever and are proven to have met and/or exceeded challenges. 6. A person with a disability motivates work groups and increases productivity. 7. Companies that hire and accommodate people with disabilities in their workplaces can receive tax benefits. 8. Employing people with disabilities is good for the individual, the business and society. This is a “win-win-win” strategy. 9. People with disabilities are motivated by the desire to give something back, and by opportunities for personal growth, job flexibility and social inclusion. 10. It’s ability, not disability that counts.