VERNON, Ill. — A new hand carwash and greenhouse is being launched by Comprehensive Connections at 1200 Veterans Memorial Drive in Mt. Vernon, according to Mt. Vernon Register-News.
The business concept was developed to provide jobs to the social service agency’s clients who have developmental disabilities, stated the article.
Car Connections is projected to launch by the end of the month, continued the article, however the greenhouse is now open.
“This is to provide more work for the clients that come to our agency,” said Charlie Miller, supervisor for Car Connections, in the article. “It gives them exposure to the community and [helps them] learn how to work out in the community instead of just in a structured workshop environment.”
The tasks at Car Connections will include hand carwashing, drying, waxing, window cleaning and vacuuming, reported the article.
Jack Cantrell, client of Comprehensive Connections, stated in the article that he is excited to work at the carwash.
“It’s a different thing every day,” said Cantrell in the article. “And plus, we will get out and meet new people, too.”
The greenhouse will be seasonal, informed the article, however the carwash will operate as a full-time, year-round business.
Miller reported that the building renovation was a major investment for the social service agency, continued the article, and all revenue generated at the carwash/greenhouse will go toward the agency and also to pay the employees.
“I think it’s a really good fit for the agency,” shared Miller in the article.
Most of the work offered to clients with disabilities is provided in-house, reported the article, however the agency does supply outside work, such as janitorial contracts to clean local businesses and sites.
The hand wash is also considered outside work, added the article, however Comprehensive Connections owns the building.
Prices at Car Connections, asserts Miller in the article, will be “extremely low.”
According to the article, an outside wash will cost $10; a carwash, tire cleaning and vacuum package will cost 15; and a full detail job will be priced at $70.
The greenhouse section of the business will sell hanging baskets, flower towers, vegetable plants, annuals and herbs, noted the article, and it may also offer pumpkins and mums in October as well as Christmas trees during the holiday season.
You can find the article here.
