United Helpers buys Ogdensburg flower shop
Michele M. Montroy, George Parrish, Laurie LaFaver, program manager at Mosaic, Toni Duprey and Jane and Joe Basta. Photo via unitedhelpers.org
United Helpers has bought Basta’s Flowers in Ogdensburg. In a press release, administrator Michelle Montroy said the organization, which provides services for people with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury and mental illness through its sub-organization Mosaic, plans to use the shop to teach job skills to clients.
“Many of the Mosaic programs focus on developing areas like socialization, community inclusion or work experience,” Montroy added. “Touring Basta’s really opened my eyes to the possibilities of not only owning, managing and continuing a successful business that is valuable to the community, but creating meaningful work experiences and social opportunities for the people we serve.”
Montroy said she’s been thinking about buying Basta’s for some time. The company’s has been in business since 1949; owner Joe Basta will stay on for at least a year to train the new employees, as will longtime Basta’s employees Toni Duprey and George Parrish.
Tags: disability, flowers, ogdensburg, st lawrence county, united helpers
