The Lockport Career and Community Connections (CCC) program facilitates opportunities to transition into adulthood for LTHS graduates ages 18-22 with disabilities. The CCC helps these students improve their independence and social skills, and teaches them daily living skills such as cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, and personal finances. Recently, the Lockport Women’s Club, an organization that desires a positive change in the community by volunteer work and charitable giving, supported CCC students in putting together an Artisan Market. An Artisan Market is a gathering for skilled individuals (or artisans) to showcase and sell their handmade or handcrafted goods.

The CCC Artisan Market was held on Friday, April 11 for LTHS staff to shop from. Some items in the shop included: sunglasses cases, keychains, necklaces, scrunchies, change wallets, beaded bracelets, LTHS t-shirts, tote bags, and tie-blankets– all handcrafted! There were even homemade baked goods including a chocolate chip banana bread.  The students have been working hard throughout the whole year to make a widespread variety in their inventory. 

The goal of this event was really for a larger outcome. This popup Artisan Market was only to prepare for what they have in store for a later date. Everyone can support the CCC students at Canal Days this year on June 7 and June 8 in their tent! There will also be another pop up at East Campus in the near future. 

The Artisan Market was a huge success with 195 items sold! Aside from the sales, the CCC students learned how to create, price, and market their products and in the end they were able to have pride in their product with their hard work becoming a reality. “Our Artisan Market was really busy, so I feel like all Central staff came out to support our students. I am so thankful to the cafeteria staff, custodial staff, teachers, secretaries, and more! Truly, I saw everyone there,” exclaims CCC teacher Sue Herring.