By Ally Morrison
A new Full Circle boutique has opened in Homewood, providing more opportunities for people living with development disabilities to find meaningful and fulfilling work.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony has been set for Feb. 3 at noon at the new location, 2902 Linden Ave. in downtown Homewood.
The upscale resale women’s boutique, which is a nonprofit, had been housed by the Levite Jewish Community Center since opening in 2020, and workers were happy to be in their new space.
“Since moving into Homewood, it has been fantastic. We have felt really included and valuable,” Executive Director Brooke Bowles said during a Dec. 19 event. “We really wanted to choose a city where the people would embrace our diversity, and Homewood was at the top of our list.”
The nonprofit provides employment for adults living with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Adults with developmental disabilities are often underemployed or unemployed.
A team of neurotypical volunteers work daily alongside the adults served by Full Circle.
Founder Rabbi Levi Weinbaum envisioned and created the store after founding the Friendship Circle, a program for teenagers and adults with special needs, in 2012. The Friendship Circle is a buddy system that pairs volunteers without disabilities with those who have special needs.
As the teenagers involved with the Friendship Circle grew into adults, Levi noticed they needed opportunities for employment, which led to the opening of Full Circle.
“We have a young woman, Julia, who is very involved with the Friendship Circle, and Julia loves fashion. We had our model employee that helped us envision the idea of a women’s resale boutique,” Bowles said.
Associate Julia Fargason said she enjoys her work at the boutique.
“I like working at Full Circle because I get job experience and can work towards paid employment.” Farason said. “I like people I work with and enjoy meeting and getting to know new people. It helps my self-esteem to feel like I am part of a business.”
Alabama Hager, Full Circle volunteer and autism parent, said the store fills an important role in her son’s life.
“Like any parent of a young adult, I want Henley to be happy, healthy, have friends and enjoy meaningful work,” Hager said. “Full Circle allows him the opportunity to be in the community and interact with coworkers and volunteers while being productive. I appreciate the mission and the work of Full Circle in Birmingham.”
The resale boutique is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
