26 Nov Golden Scoop Receives $7,500 Grant from the J.E. Fehsenfeld Family Foundation
The Golden Scoop, an organization dedicated to empowering young adults with developmental disabilities, recently received a grant of $7,500 from the J.E. Fehsenfeld Family Foundation to support their administrative staff salaries as they expand their services. Specifically, the grant will provide funding for positions such as the CEO and assistant managers, who play a vital role in guiding and supporting the organization’s super scoopers in their workforce development program. This grant is crucial in solving the problem of limited employment opportunities faced by young adults with developmental disabilities, as it will enable The Golden Scoop to further prepare them for successful employment.
The Golden Scoop offers a comprehensive workforce development program and hands-on training for young adults with developmental disabilities. Through their Golden Scoop Academy, these individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to work in the organization’s three core service areas: retail shop, wholesale distribution, and catering. The Academy curriculum focuses on four core components of being a good worker: interpersonal skills, professionalism, hard skills required for the job, and health and wellness. By addressing these areas, The Golden Scoop ensures that their super scoopers are well-rounded individuals who possess the competencies needed for employment.
Super scoopers receive both classroom instruction and hands-on training in The Golden Scoop’s ice cream and coffee shop. Each shift is approximately three hours long and is staffed by two super scoopers who receive support from an on-site manager, typically an occupational therapist or an OT student, as well as a community volunteer or mentor when available. The organization’s positive and inclusive atmosphere is evident from the moment customers interact with the super scoopers or read the uplifting messages on their uniforms. As The Golden Scoop expands its operations, they aim to provide additional opportunities for their super scoopers to acquire new workforce skills.
The Golden Scoop primarily serves young adults with developmental disabilities residing in the Kansas City metro area. This includes individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, Williams syndrome, autism, depression, and anxiety. By welcoming these uniquely able individuals into their Golden Scoop family, the organization creates an inclusive and supportive environment where they can thrive and find purpose. The Golden Scoop recognizes the strengths and positive attributes of their super scoopers, including reliability, a strong work ethic, positive attitudes, and a willingness to try new things.