Company Overview:
In
the winter of 2008, outdoor adventure guide Cassandra Styles took on a
different kind of challenge. The local "sheltered workshop" (old
term) for adults with developmental disabilities was in need of an
overhaul, and members of the community thought she was just the woman
to do it. Styles, a mixed-media artist and accomplished
entrepreneur, re-invented the business as a “day program”
(new term) that nurtured creativity, growth, respect, and community
inclusion. The participants named the program Shortbus Studio because
after a lifetime of riding small yellow buses, they wanted to make it
cool. Under
Styles’ direction, the program has become a nationally celebrated model
for facilitated learning through a variety of art, volunteer,
educational, and outdoor adventure activities.
Mission:
The mission of Shortbus Studio is to help bridge barriers between people
and communities, and to teach us that in the end, we are more alike
than we are different.
Funding Needs:
Shortbus Studio participants need a new wheelchair accessible bus. Specifically, a bus with a 12 passenger capacity and room for two wheelchairs plus a driver. Upgrading to aluminum wheels would lower maintenance costs and reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions. Installing a backup
camera would allow the driver to see in places that
mirrors cannot. Adding cargo nets would help keep riders safe by
preventing outdoor gear, art equipment, or any other items from coming
loose in the rear of the bus. Also, foldaway seats would make each trip easier by providing multiple wheelchair/seating arrangements and allow more room for locking
in wheelchairs. Safety is the biggest priority for Shortbus Studio, but the vehicles in use now are not safe due to years of wear and tear, high mileage, multiple breakdowns and unreliable wheelchair lifts. A new wheelchair accessible bus costs $65,000. With your help Shortbus Studio can continue to be an inspiration
and model for other organizations. They can continue exploring ways to use
adventures, volunteering and the arts to build collaborations and everyday
relationships with members of the community. With your help they can continue to educate the public on how
individuals with disabilities are much more alike than different from them.
Shortbus Studio participants are convinced that they can raise the $65,000 needed to purchase a new bus; however, if they don't reach their entire goal, all funds will go towards vehicle maintenance, program activities, art supplies and much needed studio repairs.
Why Shortbus Studio Is Important:
As a longtime advocate for people with disabilities, Cassandra Styles thought nothing could sound
less cool to her than a program where people with
disabilities are segregated and confined in one space all day, sitting
at tables doing repetitive piece work for which they are paid very
little. She believed that isolating, boring "sheltered workshops" could be transformed into inclusive spaces where the arts, community engagement, and
adventure are primary elements. She hoped that Shortbus Studio would become an inspiration and model for other programs serving adults with special needs, and provide participants opportunities to help others in their community instead of always being the ones perceived as needing help.
To date, Shortbus Studio participants have worked in community gardens that feed hungry people;
made chew toys for animal shelters, provided hands-on care of
rescued Syrian bear cubs for a zoo, volunteered for sea turtle rescue, river
and beach clean-ups, and food banks. They have volunteered on farms, shelved books in school libraries, and served as Big
Sisters/Big Brothers to young residents of nursing homes. Shortbus Studio participants enjoy weekly art projects. mountain hikes, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, zip
lining, kayaking and anything else they can think of that’s
adventuresome and fun. Their motto is "Get outside and play!" By helping keep Shortbus Studio on the road, you make it possible for them to continue going out to make good things happen in their community and the world.
Other Ways You Can Help:
Anyone can help contribute, even if you're short on cash. Help Shortbus Studio get the word out by making some noise about this campaign and increasing your good karma by using the Indiegogo share tools. Tell your friends. That's all there is to it. Plus, as an extra bonus for folks who can donate $50 or more, the Shortbus Studio will send you one of their original, 100% cotton, limited edition, fine art tee shirts. Wear the Shortbus logo with pride! Also, you can send a contribution to:
Shortbus Studio PO BOX 849 Burnsville, NC 28714
