Day Programs Help Doodlebug Workshop Empower Even More Residents

WHEATON, IL — Talking to Sarah Starke of Doodlebug Workshop, it's easy to hear the excitement and gratitude in her voice about how far the organization's vocational programs have come since Starke started out in her home's two-car garage. The Wheaton-based workshop recently began offering vocational day programs for special needs adults, high schoolers and transitional students.

"[Organizations] are driving really far to come and get this experience, which is amazing," Starke told Patch. She said this level of involvement is "proof that we need more programs like that where we can do day outings for the special needs community."

Here's how the day programs at Doodlebug work. A local organization that serves people with special needs connects with Starke. She tells Patch just one of her Facebook posts about the day program's offerings can elicit as many as 10 phone calls. Then, Starke arranges for the group to visit Doodlebug for a 1.5-hour session of vocational work.

During each session, anywhere between 15 and 18 day program participants will work to paint and polish their own wooden signs, birdhouses or other creations. The program allows participants to hone skills like painting or using a screwdriver or drill. Those who attend the program can take their creations home once they're finished.

The fun and camaraderie don't stop there for Starke, Doodlebug and the day program participants. The excursion includes a group lunch that is usually held outside when the weather is favorable.

Sometimes, the group will stroll through downtown Wheaton or play games indoors.

“We want them to get a whole community outing out of it," Starke said.

Since Starke began offering day programs, she's had groups travel in from as far as Alsip and Belvidere. One woman from Alsip told her the excursion was "well worth the drive."

Starke said she's pleased to see how empowering the day program is to visitors and more frequent vocational participants alike. The vocational program participants often sand and prepare the wood for the day program participants to paint.

Sometimes, members of Starke's regular group will attend day programs as well. “They’re like the leaders because they already know what they’re doing. That’s good for their self-esteem as far as mentoring their friends," she commented.

"We Are Very Fortunate"

Starke got the idea for Doodlebug Workshop in 2017, as her son, Alex, who has Fragile X Syndrome, started to age out of his school's transition program. Fragile X Syndrome can lead to cognitive impairment and learning challenges.

Frustrated with the lack of vocational opportunities for special needs residents after high school, Starke and some friends began offering small do-it-yourself projects for participants. The initiative later expanded to Starke's two-car garage, spilled out of her one-bedroom apartment, and ultimately blossomed into a permanent storefront in Wheaton.

Since officially opening at 314 Main St. last summer, the store has "more than doubled" in space, Starke said. The changes have allowed participants dedicated spaces to sand, paint and resin projects.

Doodlebug Workshop's community contributions continue to go far beyond the ever expanding confines of its work space. Last year, participants donated more than 200 pounds of vegetables they grew in Starke's backyard to benefit People's Resource Center. They also donated a whopping 4,000 pounds of candy to veterans and service members.

“We are very blessed that this community has rallied around us and supported this concept and this idea that we had. We are very fortunate to be in a town and an area where people look for things like this and support it."

Click the link to learn more about Doodlebug Workshop.