This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 226th installment visiting with Gail Van Hoozier, board member for Special Opps, Inc. – Special Growers, Special Services & The Art Studio at Special Growers. Its mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through inclusive job training and employment, fostering confidence, independence, and success beyond high school.
Explain more about what Special Opps does. Special Growers harvest, prep and volunteers deliver herbs and flowers grown at the Garden. Special Services offer different job opportunities outside the garden such as laundry service for Blackberry Farm, landscape maintenance at Tyson McGee Airport, and other venues. The Art Studio at Special Growers creates original pieces that are sold in area specialty shops in Maryville and Knoxville.
How did all this begin? In 2010, a few parents of young adults with disabilities were hit with a question, “What’s next for my child after high school graduation?” Unfortunately, the answer was, “there really isn’t much.”
Special Growers was launched to provide a work opportunity for their children and other adults with disabilities. With the support of many community partners and individuals, a safe and inclusive work environment has been developed for our staff with disabilities to learn job skills, gain confidence, and prepare for their future careers.
Today, Special Growers employs 45 year-round staff with disabilities, 2 garden managers, 1 art director, and 14 dedicated volunteers. With these talented team members, we work hard to harvest, prep, and deliver fresh herbs and fresh cut flowers to local restaurants in Maryville and Knoxville.