The mission statement of the Genesee County ARC is "Genesee ARC exists to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and the community. We embrace the individuals and nurture their social, spiritual, physical and emotional growth."
The ARC employs many people with different types of disabilities to make products, and that gives the people feelings of pride and accomplishment. The ARC has several different product lines including: boxes for filters, jewelry boxes, boxes for Yancy's Fancy cheese, and now they have expanded to include pet products.
"We just celebrated our 1 year anniversary at the end of May."
Paul Saskowski, the Marketing Manager, for the ARC came up with the idea for pet products when he noticed that even during a recession people spend money on their pets. Pets are members of the family and have their own special needs. Saskowski did extensive research on the types of materials used in making pet products such as the dog beds and the prices stores charged. He wanted a high quality product that was durable and would last while keeping the prices competitive.
"We sell the following pet products: pet beds, cat nappers, dog bandanas, dog jackets, and hope to bring back their bark bones."
The pet beds are very durable and will take even the most destructive pet a while to take one apart. The cat nappers are made from fleece and have a touch of catnip sewed into them and are $10. They come in a verity of colors to choose from. The dog bandanas are also made from fleece with many prints to choose from including holiday ones for the change in the season. The price ranges from $2-4.
The dog jackets also come in different colors and the sizes range from x-small, small, and medium. The prices start from $10-15. Each item can be personalized with your pets name for only $5 more. The bark bones are an all-natural dog treat that are baked in an oven. Currently the kitchen is undergoing renovations and as soon as they are, completed production will start once again. These treats are tasty and have been a big hit.
"We are nearing our 100th bed sold."
In the last year, the ARC has sold almost 100 beds. All of the beds are custom ordered and can be personalized to include the name of the pet. The beds come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. There is also the option of fiberfill or the pillow top orthopedic depending on how soft you want the bedding. Prices range from $25-75.
"We only use high quality durable materials."
A heavy water resistant canvas is used for the bottom of the pet beds. The bed can easily be wiped down if it gets wet. There are four colors to choose from brown, khaki, black, and tan. The top is made from a soft fleece and there are six colors to choose from camel, rifle green, dog bones, white paws, red paws, and bow-wow.
The stuffing is made from a cotton blend. In addition to help with recycling and cut down on unused material, the excess padding from the jewelry boxes, is included in the stuffing. This produces little waste and makes the beds softer. The beds are machine washable, just throw the bed in the washing machine and follow the care instructions.
"We have flyers in the State St. Animal Hospital and in Mount Morris."
Currently the pet product line gets all of its business through the flyers in various animal hospitals and shelters and by word of mouth. Saskowski is anticipating on getting a website created soon. This way the products will become easier to order and more people will have access to the products. Saskowski has several organizations already lined up waiting for him to have the website available because they will post a link to his site and more people will be aware of the products. He has also attended fairs and the Batavia Market in an effort to get his product out to the people.
"All orders are custom made."
Each order is filled as Saskowski receives it. This way the custom can choose which pattern and even add the name of the pet. One person sews the pet products and she can make 2-3 beds per day. Once the order is ready, either the person will pick up the product or Saskowski will drop it off. On the rare occasions, an order comes in from out of state the product is packaged and mailed. Most of the orders come from within the area; the farthest one they shipped is Florida.
"All money stays with the Genesee County ARC."
All the proceeds go directly to the ARC, helps support the people, and the programs involved in creating a better living for people with disabilities. By buying products from the ARC, you are helping to support a local business, and because the workers are members of the community, you help support the community as well.
To submit an order you can email Paul Saskowski at pasaskowski@rochester.rr.com.
