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The Shops at Devereux open its doors to the community

The Shops at Devereux – part of Devereux Pennsylvania Adult Services’ vocational program – recently held an educational and inspirational open house event in Devon, Pa.  

During the program, participants learned about Devereux Pennsylvania’s employment programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

About 50 attendees – including the individuals Devereux serves, family members, business leaders, Devereux staff and local board members – had an opportunity to hear presentations, see live floral demonstrations and receive coupons for various services. Guest speakers included Devereux Pennsylvania Adult Services Vocational Program Administrator Dot Carter, Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty President Aaron Muderick and Manny B., a Devereux individual who received a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in our Bicycle Shop.     

The Shops at Devereux Program Director Kirk Smith explained: “The purpose of this event was two-fold: 1) to help the community understand who we are and what we do; and 2) that we want to connect and partner with members of the community to identify new employment-related opportunities for the individuals we serve.” Click here to see coverage of the event on 6abc Philadelphia. 

About The Shops at Devereux

Founded in 1962, The Shops at Devereux is a vocational training center composed of several small businesses. These businesses give the individuals Devereux serves an opportunity to learn marketable skills in a realistic work setting, and allows them to learn socially appropriate behaviors as they work toward employment within the local community. Workers receive paychecks for the work they do, and learn how to budget and save the money they earn.  

The Shops’ services are open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and offer the following services:

• The Apparel Shop – custom embroidery, silkscreen and digital screening
• The Auto Shop – full automobile mechanic services from state inspections and car washes to brake and engine repair
• The Bike Shop – repairs, service and sales of rehabilitated bicycles
• The Daisy Shop – full-service floral shop
• The Greenhouse – specialty plants, seasonal landscape or indoor greenery, fresh and dried herbs
• Packaging, Assembly and Clerical Work – collating, stuffing, labeling, packaging, shrink wrapping
• Mobile Work Crews – office, bathroom and outdoor litter cleaning services during daytime hours
• Recycling Crew – paper, plastic and aluminum waste recycling pick-up service 

Now that’s a lot of putty!

As an example of the work done by individuals served at The Shops, Muderick said during the event, “When our business was growing and we needed help, we went down the vocational workshop model because I wanted individuals making the product who would really pour their heart and soul into it.”  

Today, Devereux’s program participants process and pack 800 pounds of Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty per week. “I am very happy we have developed this relationship with Devereux, and I hope we can continue this for a really long time,” he added. Click here to learn more about Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. 

Building self-worth and self esteem

Ultimately, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who work at The Shops acquire the skills needed to secure successful, competitive employment in the community – empowering them to achieve their human potential. The Shops at Devereux also offers job skills, education and assessment, situational assessments, employment task analysis, career development counseling, academic and tutorial services, and acts as a liaison to help businesses comply with the American Disabilities Act regulations. 

“This model fosters social and technical competence, and prepares individuals for competitive employment if they so desire,” said Carter. “We build self-worth and self-esteem, independence, a sense of accomplishment, and pride in a job well done. Our individuals feel good about themselves and are active and productive members of the community. Isn’t that what work is about for all of us?” 

The Shops are located at 119 Old Lancaster Rd., Devon, Pa. 19333. To learn more, click here. 

About Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health:

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the largest and most advanced behavioral healthcare organizations in the country. We serve as a national nonprofit partner for individuals, families, schools and communities, serving many of the most vulnerable members of our society in areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, and child welfare. Click here to learn more.  

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