Like a number of organizations across the state, Independent Case Management, Inc. exists to aid individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For nearly 30 years, the nonprofit has offered services like personal care, adaptive equipment and environment modification.
One of ICM’s more unique aspects, however, is its approach to employment and community. In the last three years, ICM has launched three on-campus retail stores and a farmers market, each serving to further ICM’s mission in a particular way.
“The idea for the three stores came about as we were talking about different ways we could help individuals with developmental disabilities gain hands-on work experience,” ICM Marketing and Communications Coordinator Robin Green says. “We were also looking for ways to give them a sense of purpose and a way to contribute to their communities.”
Meet the shops at 1525 Merrill Drive.
Bamboo
As a home decor and gift store, Bamboo offers shoppers unique household items while offering ICM clients workplace skills like keeping inventory, stocking shelves and customer interaction.
Store hours: 12-6 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday
Biscuits
Training starts in the kitchen at this dog treats shop with all-natural homemade goodies created by chefs with special needs, who also help package biscuits and assist customers.
Store hours: 12-6 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday
Brushes
This is where the creativity kicks in. Brushes is a shoppable gallery that features artwork created by ICM clients who not only work the gallery, but also receive 80 percent of the profit.
Store hours: 12-6 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday
Market on Merrill
The newest in ICM’s lineup, this meetup brings together local farmers and vendors with fresh produce, jams, breads and meats.
Market hours: 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursdays through August; vendor inquiries: (501) 412-1653
“Market on Merrill is a way for us to help build community involvement,” Green says. “The Market is a way for us, as an organization, to continue to spread our message, but also to show our support for locally made products.”
To learn more about ICM and about how to get involved, visit the organization’s website and follow along on Facebook.