Ben and Jerry's Partner Shops

When I was in graduate school in the early 90's, I first heard about Ben and Jerry's Partner Shops program. I thought it was such a great idea. I thought, "How awesome would it be to open a shop and run it completely by people with disabilities?" In my idea, employees would have the opportunity to learn all aspects of the business if they desired as well as share in the profits of the business. I liked spirit of entrepreneurship and empowering people economically in a non-traditional manner.

I never got around to making my vision a reality, but Life's Work of Western Pennsylvania is running a Ben and Jerry's Partner Shop. I don't know how close it comes to the vision I had, but still...I think it is such a cool idea...here is a link to more information:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/pittsburgh/print_578381.html

I'm sure there are more innovative vocational programs out there. I'd love to hear about them...please post them here.

Look for a podcast on this topic in the near future.