Special Needs Artists Sell Work At New Retail Space In Hicksville

A local organization that provides support for the physically and mentally disabled celebrated the grand opening of their new retail space, Fancy FREE, at Broadway Commons in Hicksville.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) will use the space to sell a variety of gift items decorated with artwork created by the artists who participate in FREE’s Fine Art and Art Therapy programs.

The artists will receive a portion of each sale.

“I’d like to thank all of our partners in this endeavor, especially the Broadway Commons,” said Robert S. Budd, CEO, FREE. “Business ventures like this are important in helping our individuals become self-reliant members of society."

Many of the artists will also be at the kiosk to help sell their products to the public, allowing them to learn skills to attain community-based employment.

FREE supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury.

For more information on the Fancy FREE kiosk visit fancyfreegiftshop.org or call 516-870-1884.

Images via FREE: L-R: John Kelsch, Habilitation Specialist, FREE; Sue Sorrentino, Senior Vice President, Integrated Day and Youth Services, FREE; Robert Taylor, Fancy FREE Kiosk Coordinator; Maxwell, Fancy FREE intern, Samantha Persaud, Esq.; Associate General Counsel, FREE; Robert S. Budd, CEO, FREE; John Herchenroder, Esq., Chief Legal Officer, FREE; and Stephanie Lewis, Assistant Vice President, Vocational Services, FREE celebrating the opening of the Fancy FREE kiosk at the Broadway Commons