By Gari Voss
The Arc of Allegan County Board has announced that its all-natural dog treat business and the storefront known as Beyond Bones will close by February 28, 2025. The business was created in July 2021 to provide employment for Allegan County individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Executive Director Roger Bird expressed regret about the closure, but he and the board realize the need while looking to explore other opportunities for their employees.
The undertaking of creating natural treats for pets gave this population the opportunity to bake and sell their special products. Over the three and a half years of operation, the team of bakers created several different types of treats, but their signature was their bone shaped tidbits. A team of salespeople could be found at a number of events selling their wares. There was a basic biscuit, but additional flavors were added over time as different ingredients were added.
“Beyond Bones has created life-changing opportunities for our employees and is the living embodiment of The Arc’s mission to advocate for people with IDDs to live, learn, work, and play with respect, dignity, and meaningful involvement,” said Board President William Brown. “This initiative’s impact has been immeasurable, but the weight of carrying its expenses has necessitated this decision. With heavy hearts, the Board of Directors voted to cease Beyond Bones operations and prioritize our limited funding for The Arc’s core advocacy and programming efforts.”
The success of the program can be witnessed by the fact that 37 individuals with disabilities have earned real-world experience by baking and packaging treats and operating the storefront. Currently, Beyond Bones employs 22 individuals with IDDs as bakers and storefront employees as well as two kitchen managers and a business manager.
“Beyond Bones has been more than a treat business; it has been a beacon of inclusion and opportunity in the community for three and a half years,” said Executive Director Roger Bird. “We are extremely proud of our employees and their accomplishments.”
Over the three and a half years, the business was not able to break even, and though the Board wanted to give it the opportunity to expand, The Arc could not continue supporting it because of their own tight budget. Bird was grateful to their wonderful retail partners, but many were seasonal. The hope of obtaining more year round retail stores did not materialize to sustain the business.
There are online sales. Bird explained that partners were making larger orders so they would have a stock. In addition, the Beyond Bones store has a buy one, get one half off sale on treats plus a 25% off other merchandise.
Board member Sara Ramaker shared, “As an Arc board member, I thank you for supporting Beyond Bones and The Arc’s efforts to provide life-changing employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite the closure of Beyond Bones, we celebrate and seek to highlight our employees’ personal and collective achievements. The Arc also remains committed to offering advocacy and programming for those with disabilities in Allegan County as we have since our founding in 1956.”
As the doors of Beyond Bones close, the Board is determined to continue investigating ways to continue the legacy of empowerment and community engagement. The Arc of Allegan County remains committed to advocating for individuals with IDDs and will continue to seek innovative ways to support this mission.
“Manufacturing is rather high cost,” disclosed Bird. “Therefore, we may look more into the service industry that has less overhead than getting a product out. This would still give our folks employment and experiences.”
The Beyond Bones storefront located at 219 Hubbard Street in Allegan will be open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Jan. 31. Online treat sales will also continue through Jan. 31.
Watch the Beyond Bones Facebook page at www.facebook.com/beyondbonestreats for updates on sales.
For more information about Beyond Bones and The Arc of Allegan County, please visit www.arcallegan.org.
While The Arc looks for another way to employ IDDs, they continue to offer much loved social events. The next one is the Sweetheart Dance on February 13th at the Blessed Sacrament Church. This is open to anyone with disabilities along with caregivers, friends, and family members. Watch The Arc of Allegan Facebook page for updates https://www.facebook.com/arcallegan/.
