NJ florist that employs people with disabilities offers blooms with a purpose
While abundant with blooms and bouquets, the full-service floral business is also fulfilling a mission to provide experience and employment for people with disabilities in an integrated setting.
The nonprofit florist is owned by Community Options, which has developed housing and employment for people with disabilities for over 35 years. Its programs serve more than 700 people, offering them paychecks as well as opportunities for growth.
Among the Edison Vaseful team is Joe Wood, a passionate employee who joined to gain job skills before discovering a love for floral design.
Beyond prepping flowers and watering plants, Wood creates floral arrangements, thoughtfully choosing blooms, coordinating color palettes and anticipating what customers will love most. His creativity and eye for design have made him a valued part of the team.
"I love working here," said Wood. "It feels good to help people celebrate something meaningful."
Because of employees like Wood, customers leave Vaseful with not only beautiful arrangements, but also a sense of connection and care. The Edison Vaseful location was even voted "Best Florist and Flower Shop" in the 2025 CommunityVotes Edison Awards.
"Vaseful has an amazing team of dedicated staff that creates beautiful flower arrangements while making an impact on persons with disabilities," said Robert Stack, president of Community Options. "It is inspiring to see that the Edison community feels the same way as we do about our flower shop."
More: Middlesex College offers free program helping students with disabilities gain independence
Supporting thousands of people from more than 50 offices across 12 states, Community Options has 10 offices in New Jersey, plus the Princeton-based national headquarters. Depending on the program, Community Options can serve individuals ages 16 and up, as long as they're able to work.
Besides the Vaseful initiative, Community Options runs Presents of Mind, a gift shop in Morris County, and eight Daily Plan It locations. Daily Plan It offers coworking and private offices for tenants as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for people with disabilities.
Community Options also operates day programs such as Red Ribbon Academy I in Wayne and Red Ribbon Academy II in Hillsborough, as well as residential housing and the S.T.E.P.- School To Employment Program.
Those interested in working with Community Options typically participate in pre-vocational training that includes computer usage, work attire, hygiene, stranger danger, traffic control and safety.
More: NJ Transit expands ride-sharing for people with disabilities to more companies
After their jobs with Community Options, the nonprofit can help them find positions at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, local law firms, retail stores and more thanks to transition programs. One person even went on to work at NASA.
"While they're with us, we're also training them to get gainfully employed in the community independently," said Dina Casalaspro, Community Options managing director of employment and development services. "It's almost like a stepping stone for them to see what it's like to work with coworkers, come to work dressed appropriately every day, be on time, be prepared, pack a lunch, figure out their transportation to and from work, and then receive a paycheck. And our individuals love it. Some want to stay with us forever."
Go: 256 Route 1, Edison; 732-545-5894, vaseful.com.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Vaseful florist in Edison, Princeton employs people with disabilities
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