Paper Clouds Apparel: A Special Needs Company

by Robert ThorntonJul 28, 2014Books and Resources, Special Needs Parenting16 comments

Today’s post comes from Robert Thornton. He’s here to share the story of how his company, Paper Clouds Apparel (PCA) came into being. I hope you’re as impressed by Thornton’s commitment to the special needs community as I am.

Paper Clouds Apparel: A Special Needs Company

Paper Clouds Apparel (PCA) all started back home when I was visiting my parents and spied a drawing on the fridge. When I asked Mom, a bus driver for children with special needs, about the drawing, she stated that a girl on her bus route draws on the ride to school and gives her artwork to my mother upon arriving at school. I spent that night mesmerized by this drawing, and the next morning I awoke thinking how cool that art would look on a shirt.

Paper Clouds Apparel Provides Jobs and Donations

That idea began a seven year journey to get Paper Clouds Apparel to the place where it is now. PCA takes art created by those with special needs, transfers it to our shirts, bags and hats and then sells those on our website www.papercloudsapparel.com. Every two weeks we feature a different special needs cause and donate 50% of the proceeds to that cause. In addition to the donation, PCA hires adults with special needs to fold and package all our shirts.

Paper Clouds Apparel Changes Lives

The journey hasn’t always easy. But when we receive letter from parents about how employment changed their child in a positive way, the long nights working 90 hours a week at two jobs to get the business started are totally worth it. We believe our business can change the world for those with special needs. We can give our artists and workers a huge self esteem boost and sense of pride seeing their art on our shirts being purchased by people.

Paper Clouds Apparel Needs Your Help

We raise funding for a lot of special needs causes that have had their funding cut dramatically by the government. Recent studies say anywhere from 80-93% of adults with special needs are unemployed. Our company creates jobs for hard working individuals with special needs. To make that happen, our mission needs to reach the masses. Could you help share our story? Please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @PaperCloudsPCA or place an order at our website. Thank you so much!

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By Robert Thornton

Robert Thornton is the Founder and CEO of Paper Clouds Apparel.

16 Comments

Kelly Dawson on July 30, 2014 at 9:17 am

I am another special education teacher who LOVES this company and the hope it gives to families of special needs kids! Way to go, PCA!!! Pray that many more companies will see the value in employing wonderful people who have special needs! They bless and teach us so much!!
Niki on July 30, 2014 at 8:14 am

Love PCA! I plan on buying something once I can afford it!
Sharon Cargin on July 30, 2014 at 8:03 am

Awesome!
karen asta on July 30, 2014 at 7:34 am

What a wonderful concept. Gonna share with my friends.
Valerie Dye on July 29, 2014 at 1:40 pm

What a great concept! As a special educator, these are the types if stories that inspire me to continue spreading my love for these special people!
Stephanie McKeever on July 29, 2014 at 12:59 pm

This is a brilliant idea. Gives me hope & ideas for my sons future!
Jennifer on July 29, 2014 at 9:15 am

What a great company! I liked on Facebook happily!
Rachel Luebbe on July 29, 2014 at 5:05 am

I am so encouraged by your efforts and I am truly thankful God put people in this world to help make a change for the better. I’ll be praying for your success! God bless!!
Rebecca on July 28, 2014 at 11:17 pm

This company is amazing! I first found out about this company when they featured the art of one of my students. I have a ton of drawings from this student that decorate the walls surrounding my therapy table. He draws a picture for me at the end of each speech session. It was super cool to see his art on shirts and accessories but the coolest thing of all was seeing all the love and support he received on Facebook through the PCA page!!!
Sue Plummer on July 28, 2014 at 9:25 pm

I am a teacher for students with special needs in Northville, Michigan. My students won business of the year through the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children in 2012. I know how hard it is to make something happen but with commitment and a passion all things are possible. I am very proud of my students and people are amazed at their artistic abililities! Keep the passion going!
Michelle Skinger on July 28, 2014 at 9:05 pm

Great idea! Really awesome what PCA is doing!
As a mother of a amazing son with special needs,
Thank You!!!
robyn lundeen on July 28, 2014 at 7:51 pm

Paper Clouds Apparel has changed my son’s life. Justin, who is 32 years old with Down Syndrome and Autism, has been on many medications most of his life for depression. He has had a couple of very good years, and one of the best things to happen in his life was for his art to be accepted (3 times!) by Robert @ Paper Clouds Apparel. He now tells people ” I am Artist” and is so proud of his artwork ~ in fact he thinks “I am famous”! One of his new sayings is: “I can’t stop smiling”. He is becoming more confident. Thanks to Paper Clouds Apparel for helping him feel good about himself!!
Cheryl Smart on July 28, 2014 at 7:48 pm

I love everything about Paper Clouds Apparel. I wish there were more companies (and people for that matter) who would treat our Special people with such kindness. They are pretty incredible once you give them a chance and get to know them!
Kathy Culpepper on July 28, 2014 at 7:44 pm

I applaud everything you are doing to help these special adults. As a Special Education Teacher in a public school I see the struggles these students have everyday. Your business is definitely needed in today’s world. Congratulations on a job well done.
mary bubel smith on July 28, 2014 at 7:30 pm

I am happy to say I have been a friend of their page for a year now. I admire the artist & the workers & kudos to Robert for having a vision.
Michelle on July 28, 2014 at 7:30 pm

I love Paper Clouds Apparel, and what they do for the special needs community! I currently own three PCA shirts and a bag, and have also gifted a shirt to my nephew. I will continue to support this company in any way that I can.