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Embracing Abilities. Expanding Possibilities.
We’ve Expanded!
Harrysbuttons has been in business creating opportunities for employment for individuals with disabilities for almost 20 years—one button at a time. Nevertheless, the organization has grown and matured and we are now ready to announce the next chapter.
Harrysbuttons is now Harry’s Buttons and Threads, or HB Threads, to better reflect our growing product line beyond buttons, including customized apparel and embroidery options!
Our goal in creating the new name was to hold on to the essence of the powerful history and brand we already have while conveying our aspirations and expansion. After consulting with our production associates, marketing team, and Harry Engnell Sr. (founder of HarrysButtons), we are thrilled to announce that HarrysButtons is now Harry’s Buttons and Threads (HB Threads).
Along with our new name, we’ve rolled out a new website—with a refreshed look. The website will allow for custom button orders and apparel in the days to come.
Our History
This innovative program was founded in 1998 by Harry Sr. and Marilyn Engnell whose son, Harry Jr., was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. When Harry graduated from high school, there were few employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. The Engnells strived to create employment for their son while at the same time demonstrating that productive job options for individuals like Harry Jr. were possible.
Harry thrived with the rhythm of repetitive tasks, so the family bought a button-making machine and started creating custom buttons that Harry could sell. Harry loved it, and a business was born—one that has since had a positive impact on hundreds.
The Engnell’s eventually donated HB Threads to Easterseals to ensure expansion and sustainability. The organization has employed 150+ individuals with disabilities. HB Threads’ associates create and sell custom-designed buttons, magnets, and apparel, like T-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags, for a variety of for-profit and non-profit entities such as banks, unions, and high-profile clients like the Chicago White Sox.
HB Threads Today
HB Threads offers a supportive work environment to ensure people with disabilities can thrive, creating high-quality products for our mission-driven customers. Our employment roles are diverse, allowing associates to draw upon their strengths while building new skills. Graphic design, data entry, shipping and receiving, production line, assembly work, heat press, and button- and magnet-making, are among the career opportunities at HB Threads.
At HB Threads, our neurodiverse talent offers excellent customer service and unparalleled attention to detail. We provide outstanding jobs with competitive compensation for individuals with disabilities while providing high-quality products for our customers. At the same time, we strive to integrate employees with and without disabilities in our workforce in alignment with best practices on neurodiverse employment.
HB Threads is often the first job for its employees, which can be a truly transformative experience. For some, HB Threads is a springboard into the greater workforce and for others, HB Threads becomes their long-term career. For these reasons and more, HB Threads’ colleagues are more like family than coworkers.
The expansion and re-branding of HB Threads marks an important step forward in our mission to provide high-quality employment with competitive compensation for individuals with disabilities.
Through this special program, ECR is building a sustainable, scalable, social enterprise model that fairly compensates and employs individuals with disabilities. By offering an integrated setting with neurotypical peers, this model is translatable across industries and geographies. HB Threads’ approach to expanding opportunities can influence communities around the country and represents an innovative and sustainable model that can meet myriad needs.
“The expansion and re-branding of HB Threads marks an important step forward in our mission to provide high-quality employment with competitive compensation for individuals with disabilities; a group who historically struggle to access the traditional workforce,” said Hallman. “We invite you to join us in celebrating these exciting developments in our mission and work. Special thanks to Cody Wass and the whole HB Threads team for their leadership, vision, and hard work in this expansion and enhancement process.”
Facts About HB Threads & Disability Employment
Since launching over 20 years ago, HB Threads has proudly employed more than 150 individuals and produced over 300,000 custom products for 400 businesses.
Today, 80% of our team members have been with us for 7+ years.
Many states and cities (including Chicago) have plans to eliminate sheltered workshops (employment settings that exclusively employ those with disabilities) that have been paying less than minimum wage. There is consideration at the federal level to eliminate sheltered work across the country. HB Threads can act as a beacon and model that demonstrates how to build a startup that employs people with disabilities while paying them at or above minimum wage.
If you’re in need of custom uniforms, embroidered products, buttons, or more, you know who to call. We’d love to show you what we can do. Visit our website or call 312-491-3945.
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