Pet business provides more than meets the eye

Paws for Cause supports Adult Learning Services

By Shannon Wells

The Gresham Outlook, Dec 23, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Shanda Tice / Gresham Outlook

Paws for a Cause Manager Chaz Volavka shows one of the downtown Troutdale store’s leashes designed not to pull dog fur. photos by SHANDA TICE

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TROUTDALE — On its surface, Paws for Cause blends in with the string of downtown boutique and niche-market merchants toward the eastern end of Historic Columbia River Highway.

From its specially made doggie treats to poodle sweaters and whimsical pet accessories, Paws certainly attracts many of the same tourists and local shoppers browsing antiques and Oregon-themed trinkets at the shops next door.

But as its name suggests, Paws for a Cause is part of something much larger, and in fact, more helpful than the typical retail shop. Behind and above the small pet store is the headquarters of Adult Learning Systems of Oregon, a non-profit organization devoted to assisting and enhancing the lives of adults with disabilities throughout the greater Portland area.

A spinoff of a once-national organization based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adult Learning Systems has sustained itself in Oregon for 10 years while growing to include 165 employees. From delivering food and providing basic daily assistance to vocational and job training, ALS serves a significant niche in East County and beyond.

When it moved its headquarters from the Rockwood area to downtown Troutdale in March, the program’s leaders decided a retail outlet would enhance the office in more ways than one. By July, Paws was up and running — and staffed by ALS client-associates.

“The whole mission behind paws is that it’s intended to be a self-sustaining business to provide jobs to adults with disabilities,” said Brett Turner, ALS chief executive officer. “Clients learn to run a cash register, manage merchandise, work with customers and set displays.”

Adult Learning Systems’ population includes individuals with no fewer than 50 developmental and intellectual disabilities, including cerebral palsy and autism. According to its mission statement, the program’s driving philosophy is promoting “quality, self worth, independence and choice regardless of level of special needs.”

A job coach employed by ALS works with Paws employees, but Vocational Coordinator Chaz Volavka sees a time when employees such as Melissa work on their own.

“I do envision a time where some of those people will work there without a job coach,” he said. “I think the store is a stepping stone. Their first job out in the community.”

The ultimate goal is a employment outside the ALS network.

“Melissa wants to work at a day-care center,” Volavka said. “Our job is to do that for her.”

While Paws for a Cause attracts a slow-but-steady stream of customers to buy the homemade biscuits, Carob yogurt and Planet Dog leashes, Volavka works with clients at the ALS vocational center in Gresham. The facility at 968 N.W. Division St. is where clients make the popular, colorful dog biscuits and engage in a variety of creative and skill-enhancing pursuits.

Job development is the latest ALS program. Staff members focus on job coaching and building interviewing skills with Volavka taking clients out to experience interviews first hand. The fledgling program is slowly taking shape.

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