A special update for our special sponsors
Beyond Links Marketplace Program Update – October 2024
We are excited to share an update on the progress of Beyond Links Marketplace and where we stand today:
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Welcoming Our First Four Students: We have welcomed our first four students—Kenny, Daniella, Gaby, and Joe. These young adults have been working hard to build a foundation for their personal and professional growth after aging out of previous support systems. Without this program, they would have faced limited options for continuing their development. This program provides them with essential opportunities for learning and advancement.
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Investing in Materials and Equipment: We have invested in the necessary materials and equipment for the training and production of our spa items and apparel. This investment enables the students to create high-quality handmade products and to sharpen their skills in various areas.
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Hiring Our First Job Coach: We are thrilled to announce that we have hired our first full-time job coach. This coach is working closely with each student, getting to know their abilities, understanding their limitations, and guiding them through their personal and professional growth. This personalized approach ensures that each student can overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
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Building the Beyond Links Marketplace Website: We have begun creating the Beyond Links Marketplace website and e-commerce store. The goal is for students to take orders through the online store, offer monthly subscriptions featuring selected items, and establish an online presence. Soon, you’ll be able to visit us at www.BeyondLinksMarketplace.com.
Current Focus: Transition to Storefront
In the past few months, our team has been deeply focused on curating inventory and preparing for the launch of the marketplace storefront. We have been canvassing the area and exploring different storefront options. Despite some challenges in the current market, where the cost of storefront space has significantly increased, we remain confident that we will find the right location soon.
Our goal is to transition to the Beyond Links Marketplace storefront and training center by December 2024. We are excited to take this next big step—officially launching the storefront, where our community can finally experience the results of the team’s hard work. The crew is fully committed to ensuring a smooth transition and creating a space where everyone can enjoy our handmade products.
Thank you for your continued support as we move forward on this journey of empowerment and growth. We can’t wait to share more updates as we approach the launch!
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Meet the fantastic four!
Kenny, Daniella, Gaby, and Joe represent a reality that many families face—one that often goes unnoticed. At 22, while others may be stepping into the prime of their independence, these young adults find themselves at a critical juncture, where the support systems that have nurtured their growth up to this point begin to fade away. Instead of being welcomed into opportunities for continued learning and contribution to society, they face barriers that limit their potential.
The transition to adulthood should be a time of hope and progress, but for individuals with special needs, turning 22 can mean the end of essential programs and therapies. Their families, who have always been there to support them, now shoulder an even greater burden, trying to balance their own livelihoods with the care and attention their children still need. The gap in societal support can feel insurmountable.
Yet, Kenny, Daniella, Gaby, and Joe still have so much to offer. They have dreams, abilities, and an undeniable will to continue growing. What they need are more people to believe in them, to advocate for continued support, and to create spaces where they can thrive. Their potential is vast, and with the right opportunities, they can continue to learn, contribute, and shine just like anyone else their age.
Thanks to the help of our sponsors, Beyond Links Marketplace has become a space where Kenny, Daniella, Gaby, and Joe are truly embraced and supported. Creating an environment where they feel welcomed, loved, and accomplished is a priceless gift that allows them to continue growing and blossoming without the uncertainty that so many others in their position face.
By removing those hard decisions and ensuring that they have a space to thrive, we’ve given them the opportunity to focus on what truly matters—developing their strengths, nurturing their talents, and realizing their potential. We at Beyond Links Marketplace are not just a program, but a community that empowers these young adults to feel valued and capable of great things.
We believe in them, and Beyond Links Marketplace’s transformative initiative is giving these young adults the opportunity they deserve to continue their journey of growth and contribution.
With the support of our sponsors, we have not only created a platform for these incredible individuals but also set an example of how communities can come together to support young adults with special needs. It’s heartening to see that they now have a space to grow and thrive, ensuring their talents are nurtured for the future.
Building Inventory
The crew has been working hard building the inventory and getting ready for the transition to the storefront. They have focused on four featured scents for the spa collection including candles, scrubs, soaps, and room spray in each scent.
