Joe Wegener worried that his little ones – Josh, 18, and Mary Kate, 21 – could not find jobs. Both youngsters have Down syndrome.
To provide them with jobs and income, he bought them a mobile ice cream stand. Now Josh and Mary Kate have their own small business, and the father hopes they can take care of it.
Joe Wegener is quite happy with the turn things are taking: in addition to having a job for his little ones, it allows them to learn finance, develop their social skills, and also show the community what people disabilities are able.
Josh and Mary Kate are two of ten children in the family. Joel and his wife Frida try to teach them the same skills as everyone else.
Mary Kate recently completed a disability career program and expressed her desire to work with her father, so Josh found a way to include her and her brother in the family business.
Joel says sales have exceeded wildest expectations, the SpongeBob popsicle is particularly popular.
Along with teaching the little ones how to manage money and do their jobs, Joel sees the van as an opportunity for them to connect with the community.
Joel hopes to give a new experience not only to his little ones, but also to others in need. He will buy several other identical trucks and invite people with special needs to work there.
