The Transformative Power of Social Enterprises
If you or someone you love is living with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), you know firsthand that every individual can harbor deep potential and creative ideas that simply need an outlet to come to life. At RISE Services, Inc. Missouri, we’ve taken this knowledge to heart through two St. Louis County social initiatives, Wags in a Bag and Destination Desserts. Let’s take a look at how we provide meaningful job opportunities to empower adults in this program and how these social enterprises benefit the community as a whole.
Wags in a Bag is More Than Just Dog Treats
For 12 years now, Wags in a Bag has provided the St. Louis area with all-natural dog treats that are delicious and beneficial for our furry friends. We sell them at community events, direct sales locations, and specialty pet shops.
By working at Wags in a Bag, adults with IDD gain experience learning job skills, from production to customer service. These experiences are critical for personal and professional growth, helping employees build strong foundations for future career development.
Sweet Opportunities With Destination Desserts
At Destination Desserts, we offer a variety of gourmet goodies, including cookies, cupcakes, and other baked delights. Along with our food truck offerings, we also cater events in the area.
Beyond baking, employees learn essential soft skills like social etiquette and customer service. This holistic approach to employee development ensures an opportunity for individuals to learn how to thrive in diverse work environments.
Reinforcing Social Values
Both Wags in a Bag and Destination Desserts are dedicated to training, employing, and empowering individuals living with IDD while also strengthening the local economy. We reinvest 100% of our revenue into social enterprise programs, ensuring long-term success and meaningful opportunities for every individual employed through RISE Services, Inc. Missouri.
What would it look like if adults with IDD thrived in a creative and supportive environment while engaging with the local community? It would probably look a lot like Wags in a Bag and Destination Desserts.
To learn more about supporting these social enterprises in the St. Louis area, contact RISE Missouri today for more information!
