VPI, Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, announced the grand opening of Inclusion Clothing Co, a clothing store designed to provide hands-on training and support to its pre-employment clients. Inclusion Clothing Co represents a leap forward in VPI’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and offering unique employability skills to individuals seeking to enter the apparel printing industry.
Inclusion Clothing Co is a comprehensive training experience where VPI’s pre-employment clients engage in designing, producing, and managing an online apparel store. Through this initiative, participants receive training aimed at overcoming barriers and acquiring essential skills crucial for success in the workforce. From inventory management to utilizing a heat press, order fulfillment, and shipping logistics, clients gain knowledge and hands-on experience essential for navigating the job market.
With a collection featuring trendy T-shirts and hoodies, Inclusion Clothing Co embodies the spirit of diversity and promotes inclusion in style. Each item is crafted to celebrate differences and promote the values of acceptance and unity.
“This clothing store will provide our clients the opportunity to learn new, transferrable skills they will be able to use anywhere in the community when their Pre-Employment journey comes to an end,” said Michelle LeBeau, VPI, Inc Pre Employment Services Manager. “We are so fortunate to have this right in our own facility.”
Inclusion Clothing Co is partially supported by a grant from the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and the SAC Developmental Disabilities Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
Proceeds generated from Inclusion Clothing Co are reinvested into VPI’s mental health, employment, education, social enrichment, and early intervention programs, ensuring a cycle of support and opportunity for individuals with diverse abilities. All purchases made through the store are treated as donations to VPI, Inc., further contributing to the organization’s mission of empowerment and inclusion.
Inclusion Clothing Co is now open for business and can be accessed online at vpiwi.org/shop.
VPI’s mission is to promote the dignity and worth of individuals who have disabilities or are disadvantaged and to assist them in developing their optimum level of social, vocational, and economic independence in the community.
VPI, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides a variety of community programs and services – including education, early intervention, employment, mental health, and social and recreational services, and packaging solutions to the Fox Cities and surrounding areas. By providing efficient contract packaging and production services to private industry with an integrated workforce, VPI has been able to deliver community programing and services to support the changing needs of community members with disabilities or disadvantages.
For more information or interview inquiries, please contact:
Allie Lucht
Marketing & Development Manager
[email protected]
(920) 749-5859
