Roanoke artist and writer Steve Stinson is no stranger to the stage or the microphone. Now, he’s putting his experience to work, and you can come along and enjoy a night of splendid hijinks to benefit his new program, 3 Balloons.

The author and illustrator of 20 books for children, and author of 3 books for adults, Steve is a natural story-teller. You’ll hear the legend of the Attack on the Jolly Wagon, and the tale of How Stinky Stole Our Clothes. You absolutely don’t want to miss Cow Pies vs. Road Apples, or what history and myth have come to know as The Arch Fart, which is still G-rated despite its title.

You’ll also hear stories from the people of 3 Balloons – people who endure with an uncommon joy as they navigate the world of living with intellectual disabilities.

What is 3 Balloons? When it opens November 1, it will be a retail store in Roanoke that sells products made by the employees – adults with intellectual disabilities. Today, it’s a busy workshop. The staffers are producing inventory daily. They’ve got a big showroom to fill.

It will also be the only book store in the Roanoke Valley dedicated to literature for children. The store will be staffed by people with I.D.

When you come, you may as well bring a book or two. We need books for ages 2-10.

3 Balloons is a 501c3 charity.

ABOUT 3 BALLOONS

WHO WE ARE: 3Balloons is a 501c3 non-profit organization operating in the Roanoke Valley.

PURPOSE: To establish a retail outlet in the Roanoke Valley that provides genuine employment for adults with intellectual disabilities. The store will sell products made by the employees – adults who are intellectually disabled.

NEED: There are very few employment opportunities for adults with disabilities in the Roanoke Valley, other than menial labor. According to Community Based Care (CBC) almost 80% of people with intellectual disabilities are unemployed.

DIRECTOR: Steve Stinson is a commercial artist and author in Roanoke. He was the founder of Assignment Ready Training, a workplace skills training program for young adults with disabilities. Website link is below.

METHOD: Products will include hand-made home decor items made from repurposed materials. Staffers will create these onsite. Items will include motivational or faith-based plaques and signs, small and large, hand-made costume jewelry, wall art, and children’s books. Proposed staff positions can accommodate a variety of skill levels.

Steve Stinson - Surviving Myself: Tales from youth spent unwisely

An Event to Benefit 3 Balloons