Unlike most business transactions, shopping from Buda’s Brightside is an engaging and educational experience for both buyer and seller.
Buda’s Brightside is a 14-year-old nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities through community inclusion, which includes local business.
At every Buda farmer’s market, Brightside Friends display and sell homemade coasters, jewelry, cross beads, wind chimes, fall pumpkins, wine glasses and wine charms and will soon be selling holiday gifts, said Director of Buda’s Brightside Christina Trevino.
“The cool thing about our shop is it’s always going to be ever-changing and totally handmade,” Trevino said.
Bi-monthly, friends will spend a whole week making baked goods to sell to the community. Trevino said they sell things at the businesses along Railroad street in Buda. The first Wednesday of every month, the group goes to the fire and police stations to sell baked goods and serve coffee. The trips teach first responders about adults with disabilities and also help Brightside friends understand first responder roles.
Trevino said the interactions build familiarity between the first responders and program participants, including letting firefighters and police officers learn how adults with developmental disabilities communicate. Seeing them regularly will make everyone more comfortable with future interactions and so if my friends are ever in a high stress situation they will understand that
‘Oh, these are my friends here to help,’” Trevino said.
Buda’s Brightside friends have been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and they regularly attend luncheons. They have been congratulated by State Rep. Erin Zwiener for being an excellent example in the Central Texas community. Trevino said the community has provided overwhelming support that goes both ways.
“The community is so open and welcoming. They remember all the guys and they get excited when we roll in with our coffee. All around, the city of Buda has been so amazing. They are just so wonderful for embracing helping this community. The city sees them for who they are,” Trevino said.
