The Coffee Shop is in a location where a few people can gather to sip coffee, read the newspaper, chat with friends, discuss current and past events or otherwise reminisce and relax. The environment is kid friendly. Various soups, as well as hot dogs, nachos, candy, juice or soda and other concessions. The shop opens five days a week from 7 – 11 A.M. and from 4 – 7 P.M. Saturday hours will be 8 A.M. until 8 P.M. / Closed on Sundays.
The atmosphere is subdued and music is tranquilizing. This is a comfortable place to relax and catch up on old times. On the wall is a display of a variety of pictures of interest or that people want to share. Some may sport a top hat or shiny shoes. This will revitalize a time gone by when the ‘Coffee Shop’ was common in many towns.
The Creative Outlet is a center designed specifically for creative endeavors. Creative expression may be related to music, art, dance, poetry, sculpture or other interests. The expression can be for self-satisfaction, entertainment or based on commercial aspirations.
This experimental endeavor has a pilot period of 6 – 12 months. During the allotted time frame, the participants will use their creative input to persuade the officers that the center is worthwhile. The officers and participants will identify the value and benefits of the program. The program must be able to support itself at the end of 9 months. The findings will be submitted to the Board for final consideration. The Board may allow an extension if the program shows reasonable stability and progress towards being self-sufficient.
The program allows for interaction between people with diverse backgrounds or interests possibly can result in a successful initiative that is yet to be born. At times we discuss the circumstances of people who are hyperactive. Many times the high-energy levels are viewed as a problem. We’re just sayin’, maybe being energetic is a blessing rather than a curse. Possibly if we could channel the energy through fun experiences that involve learning and action based on the interests and passion of the individual, maybe a person will emerge who has been kept in the shadows. (Just a thought)…
The Cruisin’ Triad is a threesome that personifies old school memories. The set, T-shirt, cap and license plate, is perfect for all who love to cruise, used to cruise or knew someone who cherished the memories of those great times. Each item sports the logo of the old ’49 ford, ’45 records displaying “the colors of the rainbow” (remember that song?), the wide whitewall tire with a spinner in the center, and it promotes peace, love and hope.
The “Baby Boomers’ compose the largest generational group living in the United States. The cars, road trips and music are still awe inspiring. Memories of ‘walking down the street, holding your baby’s hand’, ‘finding yourself a cause, so you can take a stand’, ‘taking your children fishing’ and ‘laughing with their friends’ let us know that “Cruisin’ Old School” is a state of mind. {Listen to the song; hope you like it.} When the memories rekindle the sparks and the fire – You’re “Cruisin’ Old School”…
The HOME GOING facilitator provides an outlet for the target group and loved ones to be buried with dignity and respect without incurring debt that may span years. The funeral provides traditional amenities and arrangements or the family can tailor options that better fit their needs.
All equipment and required procedures are performed according to written rules and guidelines. Members have options regarding which plan best suits the needs of the family. They can make adjustments to their chosen plan at designated times. The purpose of this project is to help alleviate the pressure and stress during these solemn occasions.
The music studio will give people with music talents and/or interests an opportunity to express themselves in a modern, up-to-date studio equipped for musical or video production. The musicians can rent space and time. If the trained musicians are willing to assist aspiring artists, with training and guidance, they can negotiate the terms of their agreement and earn savings of up to fifty percent.
Entertainment is one of America’s largest industries. The best way to assist aspiring musicians is give them a venue where they can train, polish their skills and perform. Even if the artist never becomes a star, he/she/they will appreciate that they had an opportunity in this episode of their life to chase their dreams. Some participants will succeed at the upper levels of the entertainment industry. Others will succeed to a lesser degree and perform on smaller stages. Nevertheless, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to chase your dreams.
Maybe the wake-up call will spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S.
The Real Estate venture is an entrepreneurial endeavor. We buy, sell and repair or renovate affordable houses so our target group and certain first time buyers have access to affordable housing. We explore options available to acquire the property and attend meetings with lenders upon request. Additionally, we counsel and assist at all phases of negotiations from offer to closing. We consult with potential buyers regarding the feasibility of purchase VS. renting. When offer is a viable option, we work in the best interest of the individual to get the best financial package to purchase and maintain the property.
The venture provides long-term employment for skilled workers, and training and temporary income for eligible persons who are willing to work.
The restaurant has the potential to be our biggest entrepreneurial venture. It will provide good paying jobs to approximately 35 employees. The employees will receive training in food and drink preparation, and attend procedural seminars. The business plan for the restaurant is prepared. It is a “Mega-Plex” (a term coined by TSS) that offers more diverse cuisines, entertainment and atmosphere than any restaurant in Michiana. The restaurant of choice is presently in operation, so when we acquire possession, we can readily begin making the changes necessary to implement our business plan. We are eager to begin upgrades to insure that our offerings surpass other restaurants in service, food quality, taste, presentation, cleanliness and hospitality. All aspects of our restaurant, lounge ad banquet hall will be unique and our offerings will be tailored to order. This venture is a much needed component to facilitate the implementation of projects that will tremendously benefit our community.
The resort is located in the country, just outside of town. It has 4 to 6 portable cottages. The cottages are a project that the Pebbles and their friends from DMS will assume to learn skills in construction. The learning process will include instruction regarding math, science and physics. Cooperative effort, communication and socio-economic interaction are interwoven into the workings of this endeavor.
The resort is scenic and has activities that promote exercise like strolling, bike riding, monkey bars, and courts and walls for basketball, badminton, tennis, racket ball or similar activities. Croquet and softball competitions are tournament events. Intra-city softball competitions occur after participants have chosen their teams and participated in weekly games for 6 weeks. The competitions will be open to local teams and teams from surrounding areas that meet the requirements for participation. The competition will have a picnic-like setting with a rustic feel. This is a throwback to times gone by.
The shelter home provides temporary housing for people in need. The shelter does not merely give hand-outs. THE STEPPING STONE will provide assistance and seek trained, qualified staff who can assist and intercept long-term problems related to housing, employment, counseling and other related concerns.
We will work with DHS and other agencies and entities that have the staff and training to resolve the long-term issues. Our goal is to assist individuals so that they can become self-reliant and independent (if mentally, physically and emotionally able). If the person has different needs, we will initiate actions to get the proper agencies involved.
The skating rink provides exercise opportunities for all ages. It is primarily an outside facility with sliding doors. The doors can slide back to have an open-air experience. When it is cold or wet, the building is enclosed. The concession stand is a permanent building that stores concessions, supplies and skates. The rink allow for exercise, socializing and socio-economic interaction and business training. It is well supervised and guests need pictured ID on their first visit. After the initial visit, our data base will be a tool used for screening.
The used car lot is an entrepreneurial venture that allows people with good, bad or no credit to buy a car. The car lot buys, sells, trades, tows, and/or repairs vehicles. This project creates jobs and offers training in business skills and procedures including bookkeeping and accounting. The workers will work under the supervision of licensed mechanics and technicians. The high school and local colleges are asked to include our target group within their program to afford broader exposure and opportunities. Persons finishing the course of study will receive certification to make them prepared to test for state licensing.
The future of these ventures can be readily accomplished with financial backing. The plans have already been written and ready to launch.
When we believe in our community and we support the members in our community, we are building our future successes. Our goals are practical and realistic.
See how each Program, on Level 3, can provide opportunities for creative, ambitious entrepreneurs.