JP's Stand Offers Homemade Goods, Work Experience at Johnston Farmers' Market

There's more to the than fresh produce and unique crafts.

Jordan Paulsen, 18, and his job coach and aunt, Kathy Rhodes, opened JP's to sell delicious baked goods and, now, homemade lemonade.

The stand also acts as a venue for Jordan, who has Williams Syndrome, to learn career skills, from collecting money and giving change to customer service.

Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic disease that can lead to problems with development.

"Last year, I attended an employment summit on ideas on how to employ persons with disabilities," said Kari Paulsen, Jordan's mother. "Jordan turned 18 in April and needed work experience to be employable after graduation. The Johnston Farmers' Market fit our needs."

While Jordan has attended an employability program at Easter Seals for two summers, Rhodes felt he could use more one on one experience. 

Rhodes, who works for the Johnston school district and previously worked with Easter Seals, wanted to help.

"It seemed like the ideal situation," Kari Paulsen said of the stand, which operates each Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. "Initially, we thought we'd sell salsa that we make from our garden, but with regulations on that, we couldn't."

After running through a few other ideas in which Jordan could help, the stand landed on selling homemade butterscotch cashew bars, apple pie bars and zucchini bread.

Last week, they introduced homemade lemonade to keep customers hydrated during the hot summer.

Jordan has a hand in all aspects of the business.

"He's learned some money issues, to interact with customers -- he's really a people person. He helps with baking and getting groceries, loading and unloading the groceries," Rhodes said of Jordan's duties.

Jordan said he likes working at the market. His favorite part is selling the treats.

"When are we going to the market," he asked his aunt on a recent Monday before the Market Tuesday.

"We've really enjoyed working at the market and with Judy Anderson (market coordinator)," Kari Paulsen said.

Rhodes echoed the sentiment.

"It's been wonderful, it's nice the community is enthusiastic and welcoming," she said. 

Jordan and Rhodes anticipate hosting a stand once again next year. But in the meantime they look forward to working until the final market on Oct. 2. The market is held in the parking lot of .