Non-Profit That Runs Good Cause Gifts In Berlin Receives Grant

Futures, Inc. has received a $100,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development through its Small Business Express Program.  The Small Business Express Program (EXP) provides loans and grants to Connecticut’s small businesses to spur business expansion and job creation.
 
In a press release from Governor Dannel Malloy’s office last June, Governor Malloy stated, “The Small Business Express Program is giving businesses on Main Street, Connecticut exactly what they need – the chance to grow. By providing small infusions of capital we can create or retain jobs for our residents and support the local economy.”
 
“This grant allows Futures, Inc. to continue to work on business expansion and job creation for the non-profit sector,” said Executive Director Pam DonAroma.  “Good Cause Gifts employs and trains individuals with disabilities at competitive wages in competitive jobs in our gift shop and by traveling to locations throughout the state selling their merchandise.”
 
“This grant has allowed us to purchase a permanent home in Berlin at 384 Main Street where Good Cause Gifts will reside along with a utility van for our retail store,” DonAroma added. “Without the help of Senator Terry Gerratana and State Representatives Catherine Abercrombie and Joe Aresimowicz none of this would be possible. Their continued support throughout this process is immeasurable.”
 
Futures, Inc. empowers individuals with disabilities to live life to its fullest and to know the satisfaction of personal achievement. Good Cause Gifts, a division of Futures, is a retail store that employs and trains individuals with disabilities at competitive wages and stocks their shelves with merchandise from local artisans, fair trade organizations and small business manufactures throughout Connecticut. A portion of the store sales goes to local non-profits that they partner with throughout the year.
 
For more information, visit www.futures-ct.org