OUR STORY
The story of Special Treats Cards was born at the crossroad many caretakers of adults with disabilities face: life after high school.
For STC founder and recreational therapist Robin Vaiana, finding an outlet where her daughter Josie’s creativity could flourish was a place to start. Working out of her living room in Sugar Land, Texas, she and several of Josie’s classmates began meeting weekly to create and sell handmade greeting cards. As the cards evolved, so did Special Treats. Five years later after a move to Denver, STC evolved into the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization it is now today.
Together with her daughter Nicole, a former special education teacher, Robin now brings together an eight-member crew every Friday to make beautiful handmade cards, coasters, as well as gift tags and gift cardholders. Regardless of disability, every crew member learns the tactile, organizational and time management skills necessary to develop the products from start to finish. Thousands of cards have been created and sold, each one as unique as the participant who made it. To date, the original “Texas STC Crew” is also still going strong thanks to some amazing moms and longtime friends of Robin.
In addition to cardmaking, lively conversation and birthday celebrations are just as important as the orders STC fills and allow for valuable life and social skills to be gently fostered. Special Treats Cards is proud to say “Creativity Without Limits” is not just its motto, but the backbone of everything this special group is founded upon.
Nicole Senne- Director
Robin Vaiana- Founder