Boise candy shop that employs disabled adults finding new ways to grow business

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2 News) — In March we told you the story of Sweet Zola's Candy Shop, a nonprofit that employs 27 developmentally disabled adults. At that time, the shop was at risk of having to close their doors, unable to pay their rent. That is, until you, the community, stepped up.

Watch the emotional story here.

Sweet Zola's Candy Shop has since raised more than $20,000. Cyndy Radovich, Executive Director and Founder of Sweet Zola's Candy Shop, says they had a "rotating door" in the weeks after our story aired, with customers continually pouring in.

Now, Radovich says they've "definitely slowed down a bit," but they're not letting that deter them.

"We want to make sure that people remember that we're still here, so we're going to get out to the Saturday market (Capital City Public Market) as they were generous enough to offer us a booth at their non-profit booth," said Radovich.

Radovich says they will "soon be carrying small bakery items and small ice cream items and have been talking about making other changes in the future if funding allowed."

Radovich expressed her gratitude to the community for their support. She hopes you'll come out and shop with them!

"Gibson from the restaurant Bacon reached out and is helping us build a new website with our new point of sale system that we will be launching at the end of May," said Radovich. "We are also holding an artist event on the third Saturday of each month in our parking lot where over 15 artists show up with their unique items to sell. There are usually food and drinks, and it's a lot of fun."

Radovich says developmentally disabled people are often discriminated against and struggle to find and keep jobs. Her nonprofit candy shop serves as both a paying job and as a training program for developmentally disabled adults hoping to find more permanent work.

You can visit her shop at 7172 Fairview Ave. Click here to learn more.