As part of the program, they're able to sell what they make. That gives even more value to the work they're doing. The employment program started at the end of last year, and already the 10 on staff are more positive about their prospects and their futures.
There's a lot of grinding and sanding that goes into making the glasses smooth and safe.
"Every glass we put out has to be perfect," Andy Chaleff said.
Chaleff has his eye on the details. He and these other young men are enrolled in an 8 month program offered by the JCC of Manhattan. It's called adaptations - and it's designed to help college educated adults with special needs gain employment skills and much more.
So here, it's about the team - working together, encouraging each other. Much of the activity happens at the JCC, where they clean wine bottles and hot pop them, or slice them in half.
The rest of the work happens at urban glass in Brooklyn, and then the glasses are sold.
Aside from the actual glass work, there are weekly meetings to discuss transitioning to the workforce.
A grant covers the cost of the program. Glasses are for sale $100 for a case of 12. Viewers can purchase them at adaptationsglass.com
---
ONLINE:
---
