Autism Awareness Shop with Founder Jen Band!
Join us this Sunday on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests this week are: Jen Band, President and Founder of the Autism Awareness Shop, Scott Band, Director of Online Operations; and Ardena Bosley, Community Liaison.
We discusstheir retail operations, vocational training, employment, therapy, support groups and workshops. The Autism Awareness Shop- Thrift Store and More, Vocational Training Center is located at 2908 West Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida, 33614. It is a 501(c)3 (non profit) company using proceeds to provide vocational skills programs to help build employment competencies for our adult “friends” with Autism. They are open to the public and promote autism acceptance.
There are so many ways that YOU can help them fulfill their mission and commitment to the community and our “friends” on the spectrum!
- Shop at their store!! They have a large selection of new and gently used merchandise including autism awareness jewelry, t-shirts and “other” items, therapy items, “POP” and “other” collectibles, toys, comics…etc…etc… DAILY SPECIALS are announced on social media! Follow them to stay updated on merchandise arriving daily and last-minute deals!
- Shop online at one of their stores.
Autism Awareness Shop
That Funny Shirt
AAS Amazon Shop
AAS Ebay Shop
- Merchandise donations (gently used, good condition) help support the vocational training and can be dropped off at 2908 West Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida 33614. For furniture and other large items, you can schedule a pick up by calling 813-879-6770
- Monetary donations can be made via Paypal at https://www.paypal.me/putautismtowork/ or by check made payable to Autism Awareness Shop and mail to 2908 West Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida 33614
- Choose them as your fulfillment partner for your business.
What kind of opportunities are offered to “friends” on the spectrum?
Autism Awareness Shop offers a myriad of opportunities for “friends” to help them discover their passion(s). “Friends” are provided exposure to every aspect of a retail establishment including; customer service, cash handling, organizing and sorting, pricing and staging merchandise, and keeping the store neat and tidy. In addition to that, “friends” also have the opportunity to learn all aspects of order fulfillment through the on-line Autism Awareness Shops at Amazon, eBay and social media.
Future plans include experiences in horticulture/agriculture/nutrition. Plans are underway for two greenhouses behind the building – one for herbs and veggies, the other for plants and flowers. Everything that is planted, grown and harvested will be sold at the shop; ultimately exposing “friends” to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Adult Day Training Program coming this Spring!
