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This Company Highlights National Autism Awareness Month by Spreading Canine Love
As April is National Autism Awareness month, it behooves us to remember that large and small companies alike can do their part to cope with recent estimates that suggest as many as one in 45 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with some form of autism.
One such company is a dog treat maker in upstate New York, which says it is giving adults a chance at building enriching and productive lives while creating, marketing and shipping goodies for our furry friends. Good Reasons, a North Salem, NY-based dog treat company, describes itself as a “social-good enterprise” at which half of its employees are adults who have autism or other developmental disabilities.
Good Reasons currently employs between 40 to 50 people. In addition to what the company says is a fully integrated work environment, those employed by the company are also offered assistance with everyday life tasks such as managing their salaries.
As for the treats themselves, Good Reasons canine treats are based on recipes developed by a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef. All the ingredients are sourced from the U.S.; they are also made and packaged at the company’s Westchester County facility. The products are sold online as well as at brick-and-mortar retailers.
Good Reasons was launched by Community Based Services, Inc. (CBS), a nonprofit that provides the highest level of individualized care for people with autism and developmental disabilities in both home and community-based settings. Founded in 1981, Community Based Services is among the first organizations to help serve and support the people of the Hudson Valley region of New York.
The agency’s mission is to provide each individual with the best possible quality of life through residential and community-based opportunities. Its work culture demands that all decisions be made with all of the individuals’ involvement while keeping their best interests in mind. This process is ensured through what CBS says is an innovative person-centered approach that delivers services based on the specific interests, abilities and the evolving needs of each person.
Good Reasons currently makes six different treats for pets, and sells branded clothing and gear online as well.
Image credit: Good Reasons
Leon Kaye has written for 3p since 2010 and become executive editor in 2018. His previous work includes writing for the Guardian as well as other online and print publications. In addition, he's worked in sales executive roles within technology and financial research companies, as well as for a public relations firm, for which he consulted with one of the globe’s leading sustainability initiatives. Currently living in Central California, he’s traveled to 70-plus countries and has lived and worked in South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.
Leon’s an alum of Fresno State, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the University of Southern California's Marshall Business School. He enjoys traveling abroad as well as exploring California’s Central Coast and the Sierra Nevadas.
