About Us
Our Mission
DoodleBug Workshop is Changing Lives One Tool at a Time by equipping the special needs community with vocational skills, fostering independence, and building self-esteem, all with the help of our volunteers in our community.
Our History
One Mother’s Journey
It all began in 2016. Sarah Starke wanted something more for her son and others like him who were born with an intellectual disability. Transitioning out of high school left him and his friends lacking meaningful challenges to help them grow into adulthood. She recognized a strong need for something more physically and intellectually challenging to realize their untapped potential. Sarah knew that teaching skills that would be valuable to an employer would give a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment. Starting with a few sets of hand-me-down power tools and an idea to create wooden products, Sarah tapped into the community for support and volunteers to help provide a structured program that offered adults with special needs new skills, confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and respect.
Humble Beginnings in a Wheaton Garage
The plan was set in motion. Sarah networked within her channels of influence and started DoodleBug Workshop out of her garage. With the help of volunteers from the Veteran community, it was transformed into a woodworking shop/classroom. Within two years, a Board was created, non-profit status was achieved, community partners and volunteers were committed to the success of DoodleBug Workshop. The program was expanded to include an assembly line of tasks that could be performed by people ages 16 to 60+. A committee began a search for a central location for the Workshop.
At Last a Place in the Heart of the Community
In March 2020, DoodleBug Workshop moved into 314 S. Main in Wheaton, so participants could be more integrated into the heart of the community and people could appreciate the talents of people with different abilities.
Where Did the Name Come From?
When Alex was a toddler, his grandmother used to call him her little doodlebug. What a perfect name! A playful character was created to add to the logo to capture the spirit of DoodleBug Workshop.
Our Programs
DoodleBug Workshop programs are for men and women ages 16-60+ with special needs. Although we are based in Wheaton, we welcome participants from throughout the Chicagoland area. DoodleBug Workshop was established because there was no other program available in this area that offered a chance for people with special needs to reach beyond what is expected of them to learn skills that could be valuable to a future employer. Individualized instruction is geared to each person’s ability level.
Weekly
Vocational Program
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Participants make a wide range of decorative and practical products from wood, metal, resin and reclaimed materials for home and garden that are sold to the public. Workshops are held weekly and participants receive instruction from experienced woodworking volunteers based on ability level and are evaluated regularly. This training builds confidence and an independent spirit in our participants as well as strong social skills.
Woodworking shop participants learn to use the drill press, belt and hand sanders and more, creating the component pieces that are the makings of DoodleBug products. Others do Finishing work in assembly-line fashion and learn to paint, glue and assemble. Horticulture skills are also taught, with produce donated to the People’s Resource Center food pantry.
Adult Day Program/HS Transition Group Community Outings
Do you have a Day or Transition Program that is looking for a Community outing? DoodleBug is a perfect solution. One-time sessions are offered for groups where participants learn to use tools to make a product that they take home with them. They can stay for lunch at DoodleBug Workshop or take a stroll with the group to nearby Downtown Wheaton for a picnic.
For more information, please contact Sarah Starke at 630-995-1328 or sarah@doodlbebugworkshop.com.
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Community Involvement
DoodleBug is dedicated to getting our participants involved in our community outreach efforts likes participating in parades, organizing collections for Veterans, participation in events like Dino Days (we made Dino crayon holders), making flag stands for local merchants, assisting with Field of Honor flags that are set up in Wheaton every July – to name a few. We also feel there is a need for the community to see the abilities and accomplishments of people with special needs and to appreciate what they can contribute to society. In warmer months, DoodleBug Workshop trains participants in horticulture skills, where produce is grown and packaged for donation to the local food pantry.
Our Products
DoodleBug Workshop participants work on a wide range of products using various woods including live edge wood; resin; metal and reclaimed materials. Products range from decorative items like plaques, wooden flags, and seasonal pieces to practical items for home and garden like charcuterie boards, floating shelves, bird houses and much more. New products are regularly introduced. DoodleBug participants are creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind “pieces of art” in the tables and charcuterie boards they are making that marry wood with resin in different color combinations.
Products are for sale in the store located at the Workshop at 314 S. Main Street in Wheaton and at sidewalk sales and special events. Sales help to support overhead costs. Soon, we hope to have an online store. Upscale products like tables and charcuterie boards are also sold at The Perfect Thing in Town Square Wheaton, 2007 S. Naperville Road.
Join our mailing list to get periodic news from DoodleBug Workshop, including dates of special sales. Also, follow us on Facebook to see what products are being created each week.
In the News
DoodleBug Workshop has been featured in news and feature stories in print outlets and in online news. Stories have also aired on television in the western suburbs and on Chicago stations.