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One of the most coveted items from the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk is the annual Walk T-shirt. Each year, the IOCDF communications team designs a special commemorative Walk T-shirt for all walkers who raise $25 or more. Walk T-shirts have become highly collectible, with many walkers obtaining a new T-shirt each year! On the day of the Walk, it’s quite a sight to see 400+ walkers all wearing the same T-shirt, all taking steps to help create awareness for OCD and related disorders. For the second year in a row, the IOCDF is pleased to be working with Spectrum Designs Foundation to print the Walk T-shirts for our 5th Annual Walk in Boston!

About Spectrum Designs Foundation

Spectrum Designs Foundation is a non-profit social enterprise specializing in custom apparel decoration with the mission of providing meaningful work opportunities for teens and young adults with autism and related developmental disabilities. IOCDF is very excited to be renewing our partnership with a Foundation whose mission aligns so well with ours – to help all individuals (whether they are affected by OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, or both) to live full and productive lives.

“Spectrum Designs is incredibly proud to be a sponsor of the IOCDF for the second year running,” says Tim Howe – Chief Operating Officer of Spectrum Designs. “The IOCDF has a pragmatic and positive approach to mental health that we share wholeheartedly — an emphasis on inherent self-worth, productivity and community. A number of our employees live with OCD and related disorders, and we appreciate the incredible work the IOCDF is doing to end the stigma associated with mental health illnesses, as well as their willingness to partner with organizations that share that vision.

2016 saw unprecedented growth for us as an organization. We have just purchased a 7,500 square foot building to serve as a flagship, allowing us to double the number of individuals with disabilities that we employ here in New York. We have also added three other social enterprises to our offering:
– Spectrum Bakes, a custom artisanal bakery creating home baked treats for special events
– Spectrum Grows, homegrown hydroponic microgreens for local restaurants and chefs
– Spectrum Suds, a boutique laundry service offering pickup and delivery to local clients

As we look to expand our operations and employ more and more teens and young adults with autism and related developmental disabilities, it is partnerships like our enduring one with the IOCDF that propel us forwards and allow us to blaze a trail for disability employment.”

What is a social enterprise?

A social enterprise is a business that seeks to tackle complex social problems to improve communities and people’s life circumstances. On the surface, many social enterprises look, feel, and even operate like traditional businesses. But take a deeper look, and you’ll find that at the core of their operation is a mission to help others. They make their money from selling goods and services in the open market, but as fully registered charitable organizations they reinvest all their profits back into the business or the local community. Grounded in its vision of providing gainful employment opportunities to people with autism, Spectrum Designs’ employees earn at least minimum wage and Spectrum’s unique structure allows for people of all abilities to grow and thrive, both within the organization and beyond. Spectrum Designs Foundation offers high quality screen-printing, embroidery, in-house graphic arts, and a wide range of promotional items.

IOCDF is very pleased to be able to support the amazing work of Spectrum Designs Foundation and encourages you to learn more about their services!

Walk With Us!

Boston is one of four cities with 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walks co-hosted by the IOCDF and its Local Affiliates. OCD Georgia and OCD Texas will co-host Walks with the IOCDF in Atlanta and Houston, respectively, on June 3rd and OCD Sacramento and OCD SF Bay Area, the IOCDF Northern California Affiliates, will co-host a Walk at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on June 10th. Beyond these four cities, hundreds of Virtual Walkers will raise funds and awareness in their local communities across the country — and globe — as well.

To become a Virtual Walker, click here.

Let’s see how far we can go! Take a step and be part of #1Million4OCD.

Comments

  • Hello,
    I work with Christopher Savard, Ph.D. in Wilmington NC who has organized a small walk here in our town for 6/3/17. Is it possible to order a shirt for him?
    Thank you,
    Alayne

    Reply

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