I Can 2 Executive Director Vicki Robertson (left) stands with her 17-year-old daughter, Hannah Robertson, and clients Rusty Foster and Gregory Ricker inside the nonprofit’s headquarters and workshop in Stephens City, Va. I Can 2 launched in October to provide jobs and workforce training to area residents with developmental disabilities.
From left, Rusty Foster, Andy Enriquez, Hannah Robertson, Tony Brady and Gregory Ricker stand together in Stephens City, Va., with some of the products made by them and others who participate in I Can 2’s employment and job-training program. The nonprofit organization, which launched in October, currently has 19 clients.
Va. nonprofit provides jobs for people with special needs
BC-VA–Exchange-Jobs-Special Needs
Aug 7, 2021 9:01 AM – 772 words
By BRIAN BREHM, The Winchester Star
Eds: UPDATES: With AP Photos.
STEPHENS CITY, Va. (AP) — When her youngest daughter asked if she could go to college, Vicki Robertson realized that might not be possible. That’s because Hannah Robertson — a smart, outgoing and effervescent 17-year-old — was born with Down syndrome.
So Vicki Robertson made it her mission to help Hannah and others with developmental disabilities. In October, she launched I Can 2, a nonprofit that trains and employs people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries and other special needs. The goal is to make participants as self-sufficient and independent as possible while allowing them to earn money and special rewards.
“We have what we call a 4-E approach, which is Explore, Educate, Empower and Employ,” Robertson said last Thursday evening during a special fundraising barbecue at I Can 2 headquarters.
I Can 2 is based in a small building at 5321 Mulberry St. in Stephens City, across from Orrick Chapel and the Stephens City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company. The property serves as a training center and workshop, where clients gain marketable skills doing things they love to do such as woodworking, photography, baking, gardening and creating home decor.
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