It’s a shop like any other on Donegani Avenue in Pointe-Claire, Que., but the main difference is that behind the store is a non-profit called Light-A-Dream.
Established in 1999, the West Island charity is affiliated with the Lester B. Pearson School Board and it provides young neurodiverse adults the opportunity to experience a work environment.
The stage gives students a chance to develop life skills and, at the same time, it teaches the community more about them.
“The business community themselves are learning a lot about — not Light-A-Dream — but they’re learning a lot about neurodiverse adults,” said Michelle Potter, Light-A-Dream co-founder.
Students are responsible for all of the tasks involved in running a store from making the candles, cleaning the floors, inventory and working at the cash.
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Other than learning important skills, the program also helps students foster long lasting relationships and friendships.
Over the years, the non-profit has developed an alumni program for those who have graduated but still want to be involved in the charity.
“I cant leave from here. It’s hard to leave — you meet friends, family. This is a second house to me,” said Hagop Shahbazian, an alumni.
Watch the video above for the full story.
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