IONIA - A new shop in the heart of downtown Ionia - Creative Works - provides Ionia residents both a place to find unique items and special needs students a way to gain skills valuable to their future.

“I think this is awesome for the kids,” said Matt Mahar, transition coordinator at the Ionia County Intermediate School District.

A transition program focusing on developing individualized careers, the retail store teaches the students an array of life skills, which includes budgeting, record keeping, decision making and marketing skills.

“These things are best learned by doing,” teacher Mary Greve said.

It also teaches the students entrepreneurial skills, which are becoming more important in today's changing job climate.

“You can be the master of your own career,” Greve said.

In addition to teaching the students various life skills, the shop also provides a learning opportunity for the general public.

Mahar said special needs children are often looked at as people who don't have very much to offer, and this store shows otherwise.

“I think this educates the community as well as the kids,” Mahar said.

Greve shared similar sentiments, and invites the public to come to the store to help everyone learn.

The shop, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., has a wide variety of items for purchase.

They include plants, handmade greeting cards, wooden games, crafts and seasonal items.

“I have to say, the business community has been very welcoming,” Robert Kjolhede, ICISD Superintendent, said.

In addition to operating the store, the students also have a chance to gain real-world experience at various work sites around the county.

These places include Tractor Supply Co., Kmart, Tom's Food Center in Portland and Saranac Floral and Gift Shop.

R.J. Cowling, who was giving a tour of the store during the open house Wednesday, said his favorite part of volunteering is at Kmart helping to unload the truck.

“If I don't get that, I'm not a happy camper,” he said.

By ALEX DOTY
Sentinel-Standard writer
Published: Thursday, December 6, 2007 12:39 AM CST