The Arc of Monmouth’s Work Opportunity Center (WOC), Long Branch, has received a grant in April that will allow it to open a luncheonette fully staffed and owned by individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
The Arc submitted a business plan in 2007 and received the grant from The New Jersey Department of vocational Rehabilitation Services. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the individuals we serve to become owners of a business,” said Mary Scott, Arc executive director.
The luncheonette will be designed as a worker cooperative model and be guided by WOC, a community rehabilitation program. It will act as a training resource for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Arc is looking for a name for the luncheonette and offering an in-house contest of which the winner will receive a free lunch on opening day.