Pep talk: Exceptional people offer exceptional services

Dreading the car wash for the umpteenth time? How about trimming those hedges, mowing the grass, and sorting out bales of pine straw in the heat of the day?

Why not give yourself a break, and hand it off to the exceptional folks at the Programs for Exceptional People?

According to executive director Stephen Maglione, this organization that works with adults who have developmental disabilities and special needs is “launching into a new direction with micro-businesses. The lawn crew is a perfect example.”

A local professional has been training some of PEP’s members in basic landscaping skills. With funding from a grant, PEP was able to supply the infrastructure, including tools. The group’s yard service is reasonably priced, the charge just enough to help members earn a small wage and learn how to perform on the job.

On Wednesday afternoons, members will wash your car for $5 - $10, depending on whether you want “the works.” You can’t beat that price with a stick, as they say. Again, members receive compensation for the service.

Other activities include pottery and woodworking programs, and the brand new print shop, where members already have print orders. From what I saw of the professional, slick, letterhead designed for their first client, the orders will keep rolling in. The pottery art, and other pieces are available for purchase and are truly lovely.

Denise Balsamo, supervisor of vocational instruction, has been with PEP for just over a year and loves her work. In that time, the facility has expanded to a second building , where members learn their crafts in one room, and more recently, learn to cook in the kitchen.

“The members here give you so much. They all want to be here, and love learning new skills,” said Balsamo. “We have a strong volunteer force which makes it all possible.”

Volunteers include educators of all kinds, artists, and Sasha, the therapy dog, who pays a visit each week.

Suzanne Thomas volunteers her time every day of the week, and it’s obvious she thoroughly enjoys her gig. Of course, the members I met are a pleasure.

All are very eager to work and to learn, and also get their pictures taken.

All of this comes at a price. If you are interested in helping out, there are all kinds of ways to donate. The group constantly needs everything from office and art supplies to outdoor work boots. Volunteers are always needed. The group also needs community participation in the job training programs. Many members already work at places like TJMaxx, McDonalds, Goodwill, and Hilton Head Hospital.

And, of course, you can always do the old stand-by; write a check, and feel good.

So the next time you need your car washed, your lawn tended, or would like to find a unique gift for someone special, pay a visit to PEP, 10 Oak Park Drive, just off Mathews Drive, or give them a call 843-681-8413.

This year’s annual gala is being held at the Sea Pines Country Club on September 10. To find out when tickets to the event are available, and more about the various services and programs offered, check out the website at pephhi.evrconnect.com/

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 1:21 PM with the headline "Pep talk: Exceptional people offer exceptional services."