Friends, family members and community residents were invited to learn more about the work being done at Riverdale Place Workshop Inc. during a recent open house that featured live music, shopping opportunities and guided tours of the facility.
The open house gave visitors a chance to explore Riverdale Place Workshop, a supported workplace for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guests toured the workshop, including its recycling depot, while learning about the various programs and projects undertaken by participants.
Adding to the welcoming atmosphere was musical entertainment provided by Dani Caldiera and her husband, who encouraged guests to sing along and take part in the afternoon’s festivities.
A highlight of the event was the promotion of the workshop’s new “R” Store, an initiative designed to revive a former retail space that had fallen out of use. The letter “R” represents four key concepts that guide the project: Riverdale, Recycle, Reuse and Reduce. The store’s primary objective is to recycle and repurpose materials and inventory from past projects while creating meaningful work opportunities for participants.
One example stems from Riverdale’s former pallet repair contract with Diageo, which ended several years ago. Rather than discarding the remaining pallet materials, participants now transform the wood into seasonal porch leaners, decorative signs and other handcrafted items. Participants assist with sanding, painting and finishing the products before they are offered for sale in the store.
The “R” Store also features houseplants that participants help pot and care for, as well as birdhouses and a variety of small wooden crafts.
Organizers said the initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability through recycling and reuse but also showcases the skills, creativity and contributions of Riverdale Place Workshop participants.
The open house provided an opportunity for the community to connect with participants, learn about the organization’s work and support its programs through purchases made at the store.
