Concrete, recycled newspaper, water and fly ash. These four ingredients don’t sound like much, but they are the basis for a unique opportunity for eight Johnson County residents who are part of Johnson County Developmental Supports’ Papercrete Works program.

Competitive, integrated employment is the end goal for the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate. Papercrete employees earn an hourly wage while learning real-world, transferable job skills. From shredding recycled paper and following the recipe that formulates papercrete to pouring papercrete into molds and painting and selling the finished products, participants are invested in their work.

Each employee of Papercrete Works comes in with their own unique set of skills and goals for their employment journey. Kyden is new to Papercrete but comes to the program with a dream of one day owning his own art boutique that sells Papercrete products. He has learned the process of creating products from start to finish, but mixing the materials is his favorite step.

Tony’s favorite part of Papercrete is that there is always a different job to do. Coasters are his specialty and he would love to see Papercrete products in more local stores. Jonathan loves working at Papercrete Works, “It is the most unique and original thing I have ever done.” His favorite products are the garden gnomes, which he would love to see expanded nationally.

The pour is the step that stands out most to new artisan Jessica. She loves that she gets to take individual ingredients and turn them into a tangible product. Her favorite item sold is the KC-inspired gnomes.

Papercrete Works Program Coordinator Deanna Smith has been at JCDS for nine years and Papercrete for six. “The best part of working at Papercrete is seeing the employees recognize their talents and take ownership of what they create. The skills learned through Papercrete open opportunities.”

Many Papercrete employees go on to community employment after learning valuable skills. One previous employee was able to transfer the measuring and mixing skills learned at Papercrete to a restaurant where he now mixes pizza dough.

“I love seeing the opportunities that come through learning at Papercrete,” said Job Coach Zach Cosper. “The best part is seeing the growth and confidence that comes from the job and knowing that this can lead to other jobs in the community.”

The Papercrete team makes a number of popular products, including steppingstones, garden gnomes of all colors and sizes, flowerpots, seasonal décor and other garden decorations like turtles, frogs and, most recently, elephants. The group also finished a project creating buddy benches for the Olathe School District that will be placed on local elementary school playgrounds to help children feel included.

Papercrete products are available through the Papercrete Works online store, art shows, Farmers Markets, The Sunflower Market Boutique located in Merriam and The Blooming Bud in Olathe.

Papercrete is always looking for opportunities throughout the community to sell products. If you want to partner with Papercrete, contact Deanna Smith at 913-826-2626 or deanna.smith@jocogov.org.