RARITAN, NJ (December 8, 2010) - In early August of this year Bridges to Employment, a division of Alternatives, Inc., was approved for a one year seed grant through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. This grant allowed them to begin work on a retail business that allows individuals with disabilities to prepare for the workforce through job sampling experiences.

They aim to offer an affordable and unique shopping experience in the downtown Somerville area. Glori Bine Callagy, Director of Bridges to Employment, says “What will set us apart from a real boutique is that our merchandise will be very affordable. We will not only sell gently used clothing, we will also sell ‘off priced’ but new clothing, so there will be a variety to choose from.” Store Manager Diane Gerber brings 35 years of retail experience to the agency. She has been hard at work gathering donations of items to be resold, recruiting employees and finding the perfect location for such a business.

The store, ‘It’s All Good,’ is located at 91 West Main Street in downtown Somerville and is scheduled to open Wednesday, December 15^th.

‘It’s All Good’ will continuously be accepting donations of men's, women’s and children’s gently used and new clothing, jewelry and accessories. Donations are accepted during regular business hours inside the premises. All donations are tax deductible. Receipts are available upon request.  

For more informatiom please contact Glori Bine Callagy at (908) 685-1444 ext.225 or at gbine@alternativesinc.org.

Bridges to Employment is a comprehensive career service which offers a number of employment related solutions to meet a variety of today’s workforce needs. Services include job placement and training, interviewing techniques and preparation, resume development, and transition services among others.

Based in Raritan, Alternatives provides residential, employment, and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other special needs. For information on Alternatives, please call 908-685-1444 or visit www.alternativesinc.org.