Unlikely entrepreneurs for the holidays

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- This holiday season, residents of The Woodlands and surrounding communities can celebrate and support the incredible local entrepreneurs of Rachel’s Vintique Market, located in Old Town Spring.

“When we first opened, we couldn’t find any jobs for them in the community, so we made the jobs by starting Rachel’s Vintage Market,” said Rachel Jelks, owner of T.E.A.M. Abilities, Inc., a provider for individuals with disabilities where Together Everyone Achieves More. “Our work programs help them to have a sense of independence while building their confidence and heightening their quality of life.”

Anticipating the busy holiday season, they started working hard months ago making bath bombs, lip balms, and face scrubs, which are sold year round in the store.

This fall they also ran two concession stands at Bayer Park for the Northwest 45 Little League. Working alongside local teenagers, they prepped, served, cleaned, and ran the register while earning minimum wage. These tasks gave the participants the chance to interact with others and learn important skills such as money management.

“We hope when people see our clients working that we can spark the community to embrace people with special needs and open more doors in the workforce,” Jelks says. “It really means a lot to them that we trust them to perform a service so that they can live and work like any other community member.”

T.E.A.M. Abilities, Inc., is a provider for individuals with developmental disabilities located at 1029 Pruitt Road in Spring and 4572 FM 1960 Rd W inHouston. For more information about their services including their Day Rehabilitation Program please call 832-965-5549 or email rachel@teamabilitiesinc.com.