BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — A New Leaf is preparing to hand out roses this Valentine’s Day as part of their annual tradition.
The organization’s Clients, adults with developmental disabilities and/or autism, are creating bouquets to deliver to customers between Feb 9-14.
“Every year for Valentine’s Day, A New Leaf’s greenhouses are full of roses. Even though this is a fun event, this is about employing people with disabilities so they can earn a wage and be independent,” says Mary Ogle, CEO. “The rose sale is a great workforce development project and job site for people with developmental disabilities and autism served by A New Leaf.”
Lindsey Stewart, manager of philanthropic resources at A New Leaf, said this a great way for the community to grab those bouquets they plan to give to someone special and also support a local nonprofit.
“You can get your significant other or special someone roses for Valentine’s Day while you support A New Leaf clients, “ said Lindsey Stewart, manager of philanthropic resources at A New Leaf. “We’re here at our workforce development site in Broken Arrow. We serve over 120 clients here. They work and earn a wage and we’re creating independence.”
“We want to remove barriers that some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face,” she continued. “So being able to earn a wage and have an income to be able to pay rent to live on their own. All of those things are important. So we want to make sure that we are a resource here for people in Green Country.”
Nik who worked hard to create the bouquets all day long on Tuesday said recently started working for A New leaf.
“I’ve been here for not very long. We’re working on the roses. We’ve been doing this all morning,” Nik said. “So, what we’re doing is putting roses in the bowls and put water in it and then put them in there and we’re … pinching the leaves off. We’re selling them and taking them somewhere.”
Stewart said they will be selling the bouquets until they run out.
“We have our creative group putting these beautiful bouquets together, putting their final touches. Our job coaches do an amazing job assisting our clients and helping them along, helping them make the bouquet. But then also we have crews that go out and delivers,” she said. “We have a fleet of vehicles. We have job coaches and clients out in the community and we’ll be running those from the 9th to the 14th, so you can order your bouquets all the way up until we run out. So don’t forget us.”
To order a bouquet, click here.
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