CATAdirect Creative Employment
Overview
The objective of CATAdirect is to provide rewarding employment for people with disabilities. Now in its fifth year, this employment model is a natural outgrowth of our arts workshops in which participants learn many art forms and are then given the opportunity to use these skills to earn income and recognition as artists. CATAdirect focuses on the decorative arts, using mostly recycled materials, and selling beautiful, eco-friendly products at local fairs and special events. CATA employs 10 individuals with developmental disabilities in a studio setting that meets twice a week for two hours. A Studio Manager and volunteers help participants create jewelry, cards and accessories. Participants are paid the minimum wage of $8/hour regardless of their level of ability. CATA provides the studio space, studio manger, assistant manager, administrative staff, volunteers for one-on-one assistance, instruction, supplies, and sales/marketing of products. Participants supply labor, help sell, and are encouraged to give input on marketing and design ideas.
If you would like to sponsor CATAdirect, click here to download a complete program description 
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Benefits
To participants: Participants learn various crafts as well as the business of creating and marketing products. They learn basic job skills as well as teamwork, artistic collaboration, creating goals and meeting deadlines. They also earn income, recognition, and self-esteem as successful working artists.
To CATA: CATAdirect embodies CATA’s vision of creative energy fueling personal growth and community transformation. It brings more decorative arts into our program mix (in addition to visual and performing arts) and is the primary program into which volunteers are inducted both as assistants and “guest” faculty, connecting and strengthening our ties to the community and widening the opportunities for funding.
To the community: CATAdirect contributes to the local economy by providing part time jobs to staff and participants with disabilities as well as volunteer opportunities for members of the community. The eco-friendly products, made of recycled materials, satisfy the demand for “green” living and offer additional ways for local businesses and community members to contribute to CATA.
Staff: Anamyn Allen, Janet Reich Elsbach, Billy Fortini
Volunteers: Viriginia Daniello, Dorrie Margolin, Amanda Plaine, Elaine Radiss, Leslie Shatz
CATAdirect is funded by grants from the Great Barrington Rotary Club, the Highmeadow Foundation, the Joseph P. and Carol F. Reich Fund, Morning Glory Charitable Trust, the Tri-Town Rotary Club of Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge, and gifts from Bernard & Chris Marden, Helice & Steve Picheney, and Leslie & Steve Shatz.