Krafty Kreations
Located in Alexandria, Louisiana, Krafty Kreations is a resale shop accepting gently used and new items from the community for resale. Krafty Kreations offers our individuals plenty of opportunities to engage with the public while using their talents to create wreaths, seasonal crafts, and gifts.
Through Krafty Kreations, individuals can contribute personally crafted items to the collection, such as painted picture frames, simple jewelry, wreaths, and other holiday-related and general crafts.
By the Numbers
6-8
ELS CLIENTS PARTICIPATE IN INITIATIVE
1
FTEs OVERSEE
THE OPERATION
1,000
SQUARE FEET OF DEDICATED SPACE
$--k
IN GROSS
REVENUE GENERATED ANNUALLY
Krafty Kreations
Individuals that Evergreen serves expressing an interest in crafts and retail experience can participate in Krafty Kreations. This is a great opportunity for them to contribute personally crafted items to the collection, such as painted picture frames, simple jewelry, wreaths, and other holiday-related and general crafts. In addition, individuals gain employable skills, such as cleaning, organizing, handling money, and customer interactions.
Individuals may opt to continue working in that setting, or use the skill set acquired there to expand and seek other employment opportunities in the community. Krafty Kreations offers a means to earn a wage and revenue for the Division as a whole.
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Post COVID-19 closures, Krafty Kreations will offer an opportunity to resocialize, providng a safe environment of nurturing acceptance.
Year Launched
Late 1990s.
Location(s)
Alexandria, LA
Executive Director
Doug Ryland, State Executive Director
Contact Person for Initiative
Doug Ryland, 318-880-7518, dryland@evergreenls.org
Overview
Krafty Kreations provides employment opportunities along with vocational skill development for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Individuals are paid to make custom wood pieces, paintings, candles, and more.
Mission
Individuals Served (approximate)
6 to 8 individuals Evergreen serves are involved in Krafty Kreations.
Benefits to Individuals Served
Individuals gain employable skills, such as cleaning, organizing, handling money, and customer interactions. Individuals may opt to continue working in that setting, or use the skill set acquired there to expand and seek other employment opportunities in the community.
Other Benefits to Evergreen Life Services
Krafty Kreations generates revenue for the divison.
Revenue Generated (Annually)
Information forthcoming.
Impact
Employee Involvement
One full-time employee.
Part-time staff are limited to special events or periods of time that the Kraft Shop Manager is out, in training, etc.
Volunteers Involved
We have historically welcomed individuals who have had an interest in helping with this initiative in any capacity. Typically, we have maintained one steady volunteer for short periods of time.
Executive Director Involvement
Two times per week. Varies depending on the time of the year, projects at hand, etc.
Direct Supervisor Involvement
Four times per week. Varies depending on the time of the year, projects at hand, etc.
Dedicated Space
We have tried multiple locations. The last location had approximately 1,000 square feet and served the project well. However, a nice size "work room" is/was essential.
Community Partnerships
Over the years, we have had many partnerships that have ranged from supply donations to special event table locations.
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This is a growing and very active list. Alexandria and Pineville have rebooted a vigorous Downtown and Main Street farmers' market and weekly events, with music, food, and local community members selling crafts. Krafty Kreations has the opportunity to participate in these events with similar offerings. The area has many upcoming holiday parades that Evergreen Life Services' individuals enjoy participating in, riding and throwing candy from a float. A Krafty Kreations banner can be added to our float to advertise to increase community visibility to the program.
Grant Support
Not typically, though recently Ugly Mug Marketing gifted Evergreen a modest, but gratefully received, monetary contribution. Ugly Mug Marketing, located in downtown Alexandria, develops web designs and marketing through social media. It may be possible to approach them for physical support of developing a way to advertise Krafty Kreations by expanding that relationship.
Restricted Donations
None
In-kind Donations
Yes
Subcontracted Space
None
Medicaid Waiver Funds
None
Other Revenue Sources
Income from product sales.
Funding is typically received from the per diem paid to the ICFs.
Important To Know
In 2022, the program was officially closed to restructure and reopen in a new location, where opportunities will be expanded and available to a larger number of individuals.
Though Krafty Kreations is in a season of restructuring, we look forward to an increase in sales and services with the waning threat of COVID-19 and increase in opportunity to participate in community activities. We may be able to develop the shop more in the area of resale and consignment. The area has noticed antique and resale shops popping up and Evergreen may be able to capitalize on this by ourselves offering to advertise, accept, refurbish, and resell community received items.