At Hope Soap, our social mission goes beyond crafting high-quality, plant-based skin and hair care products—we’re deeply committed to empowering our community. This is our fourth year partnering with Akron Public Schools to help students with multiple disabilities develop real-world working skills. This partnership, particularly with Buchtel High School, allows us to host students in our store twice a week, where they engage in hands-on training and experience meaningful interactions with the public.
The students who come to Hope Soap aren’t just observers—they become an integral part of our team. From greeting customers and offering assistance to filling, labeling, and packaging our products, they immerse themselves in the day-to-day operations of a business. They even get the opportunity to work the register, learning valuable customer service and retail skills. Additionally, they participate in the manufacturing process, helping to measure ingredients, mix, and create products like bath bombs, body scrubs, and candles. By offering this real-life training, we aim to prepare them for future employment opportunities in the community after graduation.
This program wouldn’t be possible without the tireless work of Mrs. Daviso from Akron Public Schools, a dedicated mentor who continually goes above and beyond to help these students succeed. Her passion for ensuring that students develop independence and confidence in their skills has been instrumental in the success of this initiative over the years.
Our efforts are entirely self-funded—we receive no grants or external funding to run this program. Last year alone, we donated $72,000 in time and talent to support the students at Buchtel High School and another $13,400 to Garfield High School’s program. When our customers shop at Hope Soap, they’re not just buying products; they’re supporting a mission that makes a tangible difference in the lives of young people with disabilities.
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome four students from Buchtel High School, and we’re excited to continue sharing the hope of Hope Soap, enriching their lives through meaningful work experience. When you support small businesses like ours, you help make these opportunities possible. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for these students and our community.