L-R: Shasterine DeLosSantos, Jessica Mayernik, Talia DeVincenzis, of RI Dept of Labor and Training; Michael Coyne, co-owner of Red White & Brew; and RI/DLT, Director Matthew Weldon
Red, White & Brew/The Budding Violet, the North Smithfield-based combined coffee shop and retail gift shop served coffee and hospitality to the RI DLT in an informal eat, meet, greet, and shop event. The gathering featured graduates of the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Self Employment Project, now small business owners, selling a variety of homemade, handmade food and gift items and novelties.
Owners Michael and Sheila Coyne, a mother and son duo, work together with staff to run the coffee shop while also providing retail space to a wide range of small businesses. Their vendors include entrepreneurs who have completed RIDDC’s series of business classes, those currently enrolled in the program, and those who have completed their business plans and launched viable businesses within the last few years.
Jack Carfagna, a Self-Employment Project participant and owner of Mr. C’s Old Thyme Scents, told the group, “At first, I was ashamed of my disability and didn’t want to use it in my business. Now, when people who have children with Asperger’s come to the marketplace booth, seeing a business owner like me, it gives them hope.
Invited guest, Matt Weldon, director of RI/DLT, noted the accomplishments and the displays. “I’m so happy that the money is being used in such a positive way. We can give money to large organizations, but when we provide funds to smaller organizations and programs – like RIDDC and their Self-Employment Project – you can see the effect. That money is doing so much good to help people in our immediate community.”
