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NY lego resale store honored for providing jobs for people with disabilities, fun for all

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NY lego resale store honored for providing jobs for people with disabilities, fun for all

Brick It Again in Valley Cottage, operated by Jawonio, is being given the 2024 Program Innovation Award from CP of New York State.

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VALLEY COTTAGE ‒ Brick It Again, a cheery Lego resale shop launched last year by nonprofit Jawonio, is being lauded this month for its creative approach to job training for people who are often left behind in the employment market.

On Oct. 21, Jawonio chief program officer Sara Trowers is to be presented with the 2024 Program Innovation Award from CP of New York State, which serves people with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities and provides resources for families.

“You have created not just a store, but a center for education and life-changing experiences and have become a pillar in the community for not only Lego hobbyists, but also a venue for social gatherings for all community members,” CP of NYS President and CEO Michael Alvaro wrote to Jawonio.

Jawonio provides lifespan services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, behavioral health challenges and chronic medical conditions throughout the Hudson Valley.

Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro called Brick It Again “a testament to the power of inclusion and the potential within everyone. It’s a place where Lego bricks become building blocks for a brighter future.”

The award is given in October to mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Many purposes in one fun store

People with disabilities struggle to find employment. Nationally, the employment rate for people with disabilities was 22.4% in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

Brick It Again workers are involved in every aspect of the store, from inventory and quality control to sales and marketing.

Workers clean and sort recycled bricks and perform a version of quality control. Kits are built to check that all pieces are there then deconstructed to preserve the fun for the buyer.

Lots to buy, chance to donate

Meanwhile, the shop has built a steady customer base.

Customers can try out a new kit, find that elusive plastic brick that will help their next project sing, host birthday parties or just hang out with like-minded fans.

Displays include fully built items for sale and constructions by customers that are on loan. A current customer loan features a massive Lego Arendelle from “Frozen,” complete with castle surrounded by the ice-capped sea and Sven, Anna, Kristoff and even Olaf.

‘It reminds me of the why’

The small store draws plenty of regulars, including the Urbina family of Congers.

On a recent weekday morning, Michelle and Jeffrey Urbina stopped in with their 2-year-old, Paxton. They often come with their 7- and 5-year-olds, too. Paxton was enamored by a Lego Batman.

A worker checked in with the Urbinas, but knew Paxton, a discerning Lego shopper, needed some time to explore and test out some products.

Trowers said she was involved with standing up the store, but doesn’t have much of a reason to drop by these days. The trained workers make it run smoothly.

But Trowers said she still pops in any chance she gets. “It reminds me of the why.”

If you go

Brick It Again is located at 7 Lake Ridge Plaza, Valley Cottage. It’s open seven days a week. Go to brickitagain.org for more information.

Tip: Most Lego stock comes from donations. People can donate Lego and Duplo kits or bags of random bricks. Donation receipts are available. Find out more at brickitagain.org/pages/contact.

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