Linwood Boutique To Hold Grand Opening Celebration In Old Ellicott City

Ellicott City, MD – Linwood Center is holding a Grand Opening celebration at its new Linwood Boutique on August 14th. The Boutique reopened in a new location this June after suffering a total loss in the historic flood in Old Ellicott City last summer. The new location is out of the flood plain and was not affected by the flood.

Linwood Boutique features high-quality new and gently-used clothing, artisan handcrafts, home décor, and furniture while providing integrated employment and training opportunities for individuals living with autism. The Boutique enables children and adults on the autism spectrum to develop employment skills in a structured and supportive environment, preparing them for the competitive workforce.

Relocating the Boutique provides a unique opportunity to restructure and enhance the store inventory and supported employment program. Linwood Center will be creating new job opportunities at the store by training program participants to sew clothing and hats, refurbish furniture, and create unique gifts, jewelry, and holiday decorations—all of which will be sold in the Boutique. The store will also provide program participants who have specific artistic talents with a space to create and sell their own artwork, giving them experience running their own businesses. The new floor plan includes open artisan stalls so that shoppers can see and interact with employees creating items and art for sale.

“Linwood’s staff is taught to identify and facilitate our program participants’ abilities rather than their disabilities,” says Linwood Center’s Executive Director, Bill Moss. “What better way to empower them to engage in creative and dynamic endeavors than to provide them with space in our Boutique where they will receive as much support as they want or need.”

Linwood Center received an outpouring of community support following the devastating flood in Ellicott City. Supporters raised over $7,000 and donated in-kind items to help get Linwood Boutique back up and running. The Grand Opening celebration will take place on August 14th at 3:00pm at Linwood Boutique (3709 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043). Special guests will include First Lady Yumi Hogan, County Executive Allan Kittleman, and County Council chairman Jon Weinstein.

Linwood Center, Inc., provides education, vocational training, residential support and employment opportunities throughout the lifespan for individuals living with autism and related developmental disabilities. All Linwood Center programs and services are based on the concepts of self-determination, enhancement of self-esteem, and a commitment to treating participants with dignity and respect.

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