Tallahassee business offers art classes and job training to young adults with autism
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Tallahassee business offers art classes and job training to young adults with autism
Betty Proctor started Obsessions Gifts after her daughter was diagnosed with autism. The business has become a safe space for individuals with autism and mental health challenges. In 2020, Proctor launched MPAC, Motivating People through Arts and Crafts. The program gives participants paid, hands-on experience helping run events, lead paint parties and develop job skills. The next virtual session is set for June 26 in Tallahassee, Florida. For more information, visit obsessions-gifts.com or Facebook.com/ObsessionsGifts.
Obsessions Gifts, owned by Betty Proctor, has become a safe space for individuals with autism and mental health challenges.
“By the time they hit the door to leave, they’re like, ‘Oh my goodness, I feel so relaxed,’” Proctor said.
Her daughter, Nijah, was diagnosed with autism at age 5. What began as a personal journey to support Nijah, has grown into a broader mission through creativity.
“Everybody has an obsession,” Proctor said. “We just try to turn that obsession into something productive.”
Proctor said she saw how art could be a form of expression and communication. That led her to start offering art sessions to the community.
For individuals with autism, the entrepreneur believes the studio has become a place of connection.
“They may be nonverbal or not very verbal,” Proctor said. “But they look over, see another person’s artwork, and say, ‘Oh wow, that’s really nice.’ Even if it’s just eye contact, that’s communication.”
In 2020, Proctor launched MPAC, Motivating People through Arts and Crafts, a workforce development program for young adults with autism. The program gives participants paid, hands-on experience helping run events, lead paint parties and develop job skills.
“I just want people to get the opportunities, and also to be able to see they can really do this,” she said.
Now, Proctor and her daughter run Obsessions Gifts together.
“I feel really relaxed when I’m doing art,” Nijah said. “It just kind of brings out the stress and anxiety.”
Proctor also hosts parent support groups. The next virtual session is set for June 26.
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