The Joseph Manzi Foundation Expands Training and Employment Program at Good Cause Gifts in Berlin

Good Cause Gifts, LLC was given a $2,500 donation from The Joseph Manzi Foundation Scholarship Fund. The donation will support the training and employment program at Good Cause Gifts in Berlin. Eligible recipients of scholarship funding will include individuals with disabilities from Berlin
and surrounding communities interested in training and working in a retail environment.

“The funds will increase access to our retail-training program for employees with
disabilities. Without organizations like The Joseph Manzi Foundation expansion of our services including increased training and employment opportunities would not be possible,” said Pam DonAroma, Executive Director of Futures, Inc.

“We are so pleased to have Good Cause Gifts in Berlin and to support their efforts to improve the lives of all members of our community,” said Anthony Manzi, President of the Joseph Manzi Foundation.

About Good Cause Gifts — Good Cause Gifts is a social enterprise and a division of Futures, Inc. The non-profit organization is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities become employed in their communities. The retail store employs and trains individuals with disabilities at competitive wages. Good Cause Gifts on Wheels, a mobile extension of their retail store, travels throughout the state to various corporations and state offices selling their merchandise. The store and mobile business stocks its shelves with merchandise from local artisans, fair trade organizations and small business manufacturers throughout Connecticut. A portion of the stores sales goes to local nonprofit groups that they partner with throughout the year. For more information visit futures-ct.org 

About The Joseph Manzi Foundation — Joe Manzi, a 1998 graduate of Berlin High School, passed away in December of 2002. He was an avid musician and a member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department. The Foundation supports local charitable organizations and persons in need. The foundation strives to keep Joe's memory alive, and in doing so, is helping other people.