Co-mmunity Shop

Simon’s Soapbox is nearly 5 years old, which is amazing. Initially, I (Caroline) dreamed that Simon’s Soapbox could employ additional employees, but we’ve decided to keep Simon’s Soapbox about us – New Westminster’s sibling soap makers. We’ll keep making soap together.

I still have the itch to build a larger business that highlights the value of meaningful work for people with and without disabilities working together. While here in Canada, we’ve made some progress including children with developmental disabilities in education and children’s programs, after high school it seems life becomes very segregated for adults with disabilities. This includes recreation and work.

 Enter Coleidoscopes, a non profit committed to supporting young adults with disabilities by ‘figuring out this whole growing up thing together” One part of Coleidoscopes is a store front at 2121 East Broadway, Vancouver – Co-mmunity Shop.

Co-mmunity Shop is East Van’s cool snack and gift shop. Self-serve coffee and Cream Pony donuts and amazing Rico ‘n’ Lalo frozen fruit bars, this is your place to stop for an energy boost.

When you walk into the shop, we want you to start to think differently about meaningful work for people with developmental disabilities. You’ll find art, home décor, bath and body products, and more – featuring individuals with disabilities or businesses that employ people with disabilities. Work is such an important part of life and work looks different at different stages of life. Our aim is to help people to start to think differently about work, together.

You should come to visit! Learn more (including store hours) at co-mmunityshop.ca or IG @co-mmunityshop or visit their Facebook Page