As part of Christian Horizons, Grow Studios first opened its doors in early 2008. Since the beginning, they have committed themselves to creating beautiful products, providing quality services, and opening doors for people with barriers to employment. When you buy from Grow Studios you’re not only making a meaningful purchase, you are increasing opportunities for people who experience exceptional abilities.
How do the social enterprises work?
Grow Studios operates a series of service and product based social enterprises including jewellery, pottery, woodworking, a print shop, and lawn care. Our jewellery and pottery social enterprises are located at 352 Kirkwood Ave. Our lawn care and print shop currently operate out of 2211 Thurston Dr. Our woodshop is at 250 City Centre, Bay 220.
What is the social enterprise’s mission?
Our mission is to provide meaningful skills training and employment to people who face barriers to employment.
What was the inspiration behind creating the social enterprises?
Our social enterprises are a natural progression of our day program services that we provide under the banner of Christian Horizons. Christian Horizons is committed to nurturing communities of belonging, both in Canada and around the world, where everyone can use their gifts.
What inspires you and your team to do the work you do?
Inspiration comes from seeing people who are happily engaged in their work and who have their God-given abilities seen and recognized.
What challenges do you face day-to-day?
Our day to day challenges include securing consistent work to be able to pay overhead costs as well as coaching and skills training for our social enterprise employees.
What are some of the lessons you and your team have learned along the way?
We have learned to value people and their abilities rather than to define them by their inabilities. We are constantly learning what possibilities could be out there for people who come through our programs and are employed by our social enterprises.
What is Grow Studio’s vision moving forward?
Our vision is to continue to provide meaningful skills training and employment to people who face barriers to employment and help others to value their skills and abilities.
What makes you most proud?
There is so much that makes us proud but it is especially rewarding to see the growth of our employees as they learn new skills and abilities to what they can do currently.
What keeps you up at night?
Definitely a constant concern is keeping our social enterprises sustainable and spreading awareness of the good work being done at Grow Studios
CSED has helped enormously in providing us with business development training and networking opportunities…ensuring we get a good night’s rest.