A Day IN THE LIFE
At Happy Day Plants, every day is a meaningful journey where our dedicated staff members with disabilities bring their unique skills and passions to the forefront. The work here is more than just a job—it's a fulfilling experience that makes a real impact. Here’s a glimpse into a typical four hour shift, where each task is a vital part of keeping our shop thriving.
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Our staff receives continuous training and support, ensuring they feel confident and capable in their roles. We warmly welcome job coaches or other support persons to accompany our staff members during a shift to provide additional guidance as needed. Whether it’s working special events, assisting during field trips, or reorganizing shelves, there’s always something new to learn and accomplish.
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At Happy Day Plants, every task, big or small, is an opportunity for our staff to contribute, grow, and be a part of something special.
First Hour:
Starting the day right
The shift kicks off with essential morning routines. Team members begin by filling up humidifiers, setting up furniture outside, and making sure the sidewalk is clean by sweeping or leaf-blowing. They also water the outside plants to keep them vibrant. Inside, they check for any messes left from the previous day, straighten price tags, and spruce up the shop to ensure everything is in perfect order for our customers. Each task is designed to build their confidence and ability to handle a range of responsibilities independently.
Second HOUR:
Nurturing the plants
The second hour is dedicated to caring for our beloved plants. Each staff member is responsible for watering and tending to a specific section of the shop, ensuring that every plant receives the care it needs to flourish. This attention to detail is what keeps our shop looking lively. As new inventory arrives, our team unpacks and prices each item, bringing fresh excitement to our shelves. This responsibility helps develop a deep sense of ownership and independence, as our team members learn to manage their section and address any needs that arise.​
Third Hour:
Customer Interaction
Our team is trained on how to assist customers, offering help with plant selections, and potting plants as needed. This hour is a mix of behind-the-scenes work and direct customer service, making it a dynamic and engaging part of the day. Two days a week, our team member go together to water plants at our local Grow With Us partner businesses. It’s a chance to connect with the community and apply their skills in new environments.
Fourth Hour:
Preparing for the next shift
As the shift nears its end, our team focuses on setting up the next shift for success. This includes leaving notes about where tasks left off, taking out the trash, and, if it’s a closing shift, performing a deep clean of the shop. Any plants that need to soak overnight are prepared and technology is charged for the next day.