Theft halts program for adults with intellectual disabilities, Bluffton nonprofit says
A trailer filled with lawn care equipment was stolen last week from a nonprofit based in Bluffton, all but eliminating an employment program for adults with intellectual disabilities, according to one of the group’s leaders.
Someone backed into Programs for Exceptional People’s 39 Sheridan Park Circle location, hitched a 10-foot enclosed trailer to their vehicle and drove away, Operations Director Tim Thayer said Saturday. He said the nonprofit realized it was gone April 21. Thayer had last seen the trailer five days earlier.
“It’s not something we can just go out and replace,” he said, explaining that the Lowcountry nonprofit, founded 25 years ago, relies heavily on donations. The trailer contained a gas grill and lawn equipment used by one of PEP’s “micro-businesses,” its lawn crew.
The crew, made up of PEP members and an instructor, provides moving, power-washing and other outdoor services to residents. The proceeds from the program are paid as wages to the workers, said Thayer.
The theft has shut the program down. Before, it operated about three times a week. Now, none of PEP’s members is getting paychecks from lawn work, said Thayer. The program taught crew members skills and provided a sense of accomplishment, he said.
“This is what you did, you accomplished this — it puts a smile on their face,” Thayer said, describing the workers.
Thanks to community members, the theft won’t hobble the lawn crew for good.
Since The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette first wrote about the theft on Saturday, Thayer reports that his nonprofit has seen a flood of donations, including brand-new leaf blowers, weed-eaters and a chainsaw. Casual Living Fireside & Grillin’ in Bluffton replaced the gas grill that was lost, he said Tuesday. River Dog Brewing in Ridgeland also donated $2,500 to PEP, he said.
“That brought tears to my eyes,” Thayer said. “The community itself — it’s just unbelievable how they’ve stepped up.”
PEP’s facilities closed in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many members stay in touch via video chat, said Thayer. “They want to see the PEP building is still here.”
The nonprofit serves people across Beaufort County, operating a licensed adult activity center and working to provide social interaction and employment for its members, according to its website.
Thayer said the nonprofit filed a report with the Bluffton Police Department about the stolen trailer and equipment, which he estimates is worth close to $4,000. The white trailer had a Detroit Pistons logo on the back gate, he said.
Bluffton police spokesperson Capt. Joe Babkiewicz confirmed Saturday PEP had filed a report with his department about the missing trailer, but said he was not aware of any leads in the case.
Thayer said PEP is taking donations of unused lawn care equipment to replace what was lost. He can be reached at 843-816-6597 and said he would pick up any donated items.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated since first publication to add information about donations PEP has received since the article was first published online.
This story was originally published April 25, 2020 at 2:04 PM.
