Green Bay man’s business helps people with disabilities be independent

In his 13 years as a social worker and care manager for the disabled population, Greg Maloney of Green Bay saw the need for a program that would develop higher functioning adults.

He had worked with various groups, but felt that his strength was in helping those with mental illness to find community employment and move out on their own. As he developed programs and saw results, he also felt frustration that he didn’t have the flexibility to do more.

“I thought about starting a business for about six years,” Maloney said. “When I met with a disabled adult for the first time, I would gather details on where they were currently in their life. After that, I tried to create a plan that would help them create their own desires in life.”

But he found that most of the providers and caregivers focused on the status quo. They helped with day-to-day needs, but did not go beyond that to help a disabled person become more independent.

Maloney thought he could fill that gap. In 2017, he put a plan in motion. He met with David Stauffacher, business counselor with the Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and worked on a business plan.

Source: Green Bay man’s business helps people with disabilities be independent, Green Bay Press-Gazette