Contact: Seasons for a Reason, Kara Lamendola, Assistant Director of Development
Email: klamendola@eden2.org
Seasons for a Reason Opens First Brick-and-Mortar Storefront on Long Island
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony December 12 at 10:00 a.m.
LONG ISLAND, NY — Eden II Programs proudly announces the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar Seasons for a Reason storefront, a social enterprise created to provide meaningful vocational training and employment opportunities for individuals with autism. A celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on December 12 at 10:00 a.m., with the support of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide vocational training for individuals with autism, supporting their path toward future employment. Participants create home décor and seasonal handmade items while building skills, confidence, and creativity.
About Eden II Programs
The mission of Eden II Programs is to support individuals with autism throughout their lifespan through service, science, and passion. Founded in Staten Island in 1976, Eden II Programs expanded to Long Island in 1995 in response to a growing need for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. Today, Eden II Programs provides a comprehensive range of services, including school programs, adult services, residential supports, and family support services. On Long Island, the Genesis School and Nassau Outreach Clinic are located in East Meadow, along with adult programs, the Suffolk Behavior Clinic, and residential housing throughout the region. For decades, Eden II Programs has helped adolescents and adults build independence through life skills development, vocational training, and hands-on, community-based learning.
The History of Seasons for a Reason
Seasons for a Reason began as a social enterprise designed to provide real-world job training opportunities that would make a social impact in a creative and supportive environment. The program first launched as a kiosk in the Broadway Mall and then branched out to an Etsy shop for online sales. Seasons for a Reason sells seasonal and home décor items nationwide, made by our participants. Following this success, the program expanded into a retail kiosk at the Hicksville Mall, where participants gained direct experience in customer service, inventory management, merchandising, and sales. After outgrowing the temporary kiosk model, the program closed the kiosk to open a permanent brick-and-mortar storefront, allowing for expanded job training opportunities.
Hands-On Training Opportunities Participants will take part in all aspects of the business, including:
● Product design and creation
● Photography and social media content
● Inventory and merchandising
● Customer service and point-of-sale operations
Dr. Mary McDonald, Associate Executive Director of Eden II’s Genesis Programs, shared: “Seasons for a Reason creates invaluable opportunities for our participants to engage in design, production, sales, finance, and marketing. This storefront represents an important step forward in creating meaningful vocational training for the individuals we serve.”
Community Support
Seasons for a Reason is made possible through the generous support of many donors and grants over the years, such as Autism Speaks, Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society, Northshore Autism Circle, The Fanning Foundation, and our Lead Sponsor: Local Union #3 Sportsmen’s Club.
