These Bay Area Nonprofits Empower People with Disabilities in Business

July 19, 2023

At Hope Services, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive, both personally and professionally. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to a vibrant community of nonprofits that share our vision.

In this blog , we will highlight some of the remarkable Bay Area nonprofits that are nurturing greater autonomy, self-expression, and employment opportunities for people of all abilities. By supporting businesses and organizations that open doors for individuals with disabilities, you can directly contribute to their success and help create a more inclusive society.

1

Creative Growth is an art studio in Oakland that provides art therapy to people with disabilities. The studio was founded in 1974 by Elias Katz and Florence Ludins-Katz. The Creative Growth Studio is an open space, converted 12,000 square foot former auto repair shop, and is home to over 140 artists who work in a variety of media. It has been in operation for over 50 years, and it has helped thousands of people with disabilities express themselves through art.

2

ArtLifting in San Francisco is an online marketplace that sells artwork created by people with disabilities. The company’s mission is to promote the economic independence of artists with disabilities, and it has helped to sell over $1 million worth of artwork.

3

Ada’s Café in Palo Alto is a café dedicated to hiring, training and empowering employees with disabilities through food service. As the mother of a child with a developmental disability, Ada’s Founder, Kathleen, wanted to create opportunities to empower her son and help him be independent and was inspired to establish Ada’s Café to train and empower students with special needs. The café is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and it is a popular spot for people from all walks of life.

4

HopeTHRIFT is a thrift store with three locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, Fremont, and Watsonville. The store is diversely staffed by individuals of all abilities and exists to fund the work of its founding organization, Hope Services, with 100% of proceeds going to support programs and services that help people with disabilities. The store accepts donations and sells a variety of gently used items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods.

5

The San Francisco Disability Business Alliance (SFDBA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the economic empowerment of people with disabilities. The organization provides a number of resources to businesses owned by people with disabilities, including networking opportunities, training, and technical assistance.

6

Creativity Explored is a non-profit organization in San Francisco that provides art education and employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Creativity Explored has helped hundreds of people with disabilities discover their artistic talents and develop their creative skills. The organization’s artists have seen their work exhibited in museums, galleries, and art fairs in over 14 countries and have earned over $2.2 million from their art. The host frequent events where all are welcome to attend.