Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Fine.
Founded in 1967, Opportunity Enterprises (OE) is a non-profit organization that strives to help individuals with developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential and live a full, enriching life. Services range from residential, educational and vocational programs.
In 2007 OE was exploring opportunities to employ adults with disabilities and provide a strong foundation for training and support while creating an income stream to move toward self-sustainability. What started as a small fudge kitchen is now known as The Simply Amazing Market, which creates and sells fudge, assorted popcorns, glazed nuts, hand-painted ceramics, and candies throughout the year, shipping nationwide.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We are operating from a nonprofit agency budget, and having limited funds available to invest in marketing can be a challenge. We primarily have relied on word-of-mouth and targeting small local audiences, so connections like these are extremely valuable to us.
Further, we are located in a building which primarily provides day programs. We consistently struggle with letting people know that we are a retail business open to the public.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Employing men and women with disabilities is an honor and a privilege. The best thing about The Simply Amazing Market is the people working here. Each employee is engaged with a portion of the business; whether it is through preparing food, maintaining proper inventory, quality control, retail displays, operating the cash register, or customer service, our employees and each of their respective roles are vital to the successes of The Simply Amazing Market.
Shoppers can choose to purchase treats and gifts from anywhere, but every purchase made at The Simply Amazing Market helps employ an individual who may not otherwise be given the opportunity to work in the community. Every time you make a purchase, you make a difference! As a small shop, each order placed is given individualized attention and many orders can be customized to best meet the needs of the customer. Our specialties include our ever-changing selection of seasonal popcorn and delectable fudge.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2801 Evans Ave
Valparaiso, IN 46383 - Website: www.simplyamazingmarket.com
- Phone: 219-464-2670
- Email: market@oppent.org
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