SEADS Garden Center: growing opportunities for adults with disabilities

The team at SEADS Garden Center works hard to provide essential employment skills. Pictured: (left to right) Cara Lovenduski, Anthony Bernardo, Austin Lovenduski, Vincent Lovenduski, Michele Lovenduski (photo provided)

What happens for individuals with disabilities once they outgrow the resources typically available to them in high school? Often there aren’t programs or opportunities readily available, leading to a cycle of staying at home while caregivers work–a circumstance that can contribute to both physical and mental health issues.

Having a son with autism, Vincent Lovenduski has been highly involved with the special needs community for nearly three decades. Inspired by Smile Farms, an organization in Long Island that focuses on special needs employment, Lovenduski and his wife reached out to the organization hoping they’d open a similar initiative in Johnstown.

“I heard the brief radio ad and knew we had to visit,” Lovenduski shared. “We met with the VP and asked him to open a branch here. They said no. I was nearing retirement, so we decided we could do it.”

Vincent Lovenduski is in the background helping Anthony Bernardo fill pots (photo provided)

The Lovenduski’s started their own venture with determination and passion, founding SEADS Garden Center as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to provide Sustainable Employment for Adults with Disabilities. SEADS operates a nursery and retail garden center in Westmont, PA, giving employees the opportunity to have a variety of enriching and meaningful jobs. The garden center grows and sells a wide variety of seasonal plant and garden merchandise, and also hosts many fun events for the whole family throughout the year.

The couple dedicated countless hours to create a nurturing environment where individuals with various disabilities, from autism to Down Syndrome, can learn valuable employment skills and develop a sense of purpose, self-worth and belonging.

Taking the business from an idea to nonprofit status happened with support from Startup Alleghenies coach Blake Fleegle. “Thanks to Blake, we were able to get the business off the ground,” Lovenduski said. “He helped with everything from my business plan to advice on the software we would need.”

We teach employment skills so individuals can transition to another job successfully. Everything we do is for them.

SEADS’ mission extends beyond profitability, focusing on providing sustainable employment opportunities and fostering personal growth within the special needs community. SEADS, which stands for Sustainable Employment for Adults with Disabilities, has become a source of hope for many as its mission advances.

Patrons of SEADS are given top-notch service, seen here as Austin Lovenduski helps a customer out to her car (photo provided)

Lovenduski said that SEADS offers a holistic approach to employment. “We teach employment skills so individuals can transition to another job successfully,” Lovenduski said. “Everything we do is for them. We saw our son left out many times in his life… this place gives each person a sense of belonging.”

“There is a massive need in this community—our special needs community—and that is often overlooked,” he continued. “We have created awareness, and the community support and generosity have blown me away. We give our customers the opportunity to see the value in the lives of those with special needs.”

Starting a business requires a deep sense of responsibility, not only to the business but also to the employees and their families.

“The mission behind SEADS is powerful,” Fleegle said. “The passion and drive Vince has for making a space for special needs adults is admirable. The team is impacting the lives of the employees and the customers every single day.”

For Vincent Lovenduski (right), everything he does, and all this company stands for is for the employees like Gretchen Rauch (left) (photo provided)

From a business standpoint, SEADS has seen growth and has overcome the economic turbulence many have experienced. “Last year, we had some unforeseen challenges,” Lovenduski said. “But we learned from those experiences and have improved our strategy, which has yielded substantial sales growth this year.”

Looking ahead, Lovenduski has talked with government agencies about the possibility of opening satellite locations in four additional counties. “This potential expansion will be cautiously approached, ensuring strategic planning and readiness before taking on new responsibilities,” he said. “I think when I retire, it will provide an opportunity to expand SEADS Garden Center.”

Lovenduski offered aspiring entrepreneurs valuable advice: “Commitment and dedication are paramount. Starting a business is a long-term commitment that extends beyond personal aspirations. It requires a deep sense of responsibility, not only to the business but also to the employees and their families,” he said. “Building strong foundations, seeking support from organizations like Startup Alleghenies and maintaining an unwavering passion for the mission are crucial for success.”

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.