'A New Leaf' Clients Spread Love With Valentine's Day Bouquet Deliveries

A New Leaf is spreading the love this Valentine's Day, one bouquet at a time.

Chief Development Officer Maranda Figueroa said planning for its rose bouquet deliveries began six months ago.

"We start planning how many roses we need to order in advance, who is going to be on our crews," she said.

For Valentine's Day, some clients are in the greenhouse arranging bouquets while others are out making the deliveries.

"Our folks really face a lot of challenges in being able to find employment," said Figueroa. "About 85% across our state are unemployed and without employment, it is hard to live independently."

A New Leaf gives adults with developmental disabilities and/or autism that independence by providing job training, life skills, and residential services.

These deliveries also help their clients improve on social skills while teaching others in the community about kindness and acceptance.

"When you can put a face with a disability, it makes it so much more personal, and you understand how you can easily involve people with developmental disabilities into your own life," said Figueroa.

A New Leaf also does poinsettia deliveries around the holidays and opens its greenhouse to the public. For more information, CLICK HERE.