By WGGB Staff

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB) -- In 2008, funding had been cut to a number of agencies, including the Center for Human Development, but a local floral shop is working to help those in need get job training while getting around budget cuts with a for-profit business model.

Like any other floral shop in the area, the employees at A New Leaf on Appleton Street had been busy getting ready for Valentine's Day recently. However, some of the employees at this shop suffer from mental illnesses. According to one of the managers at the social enterprise program, which CHD supports, the client employees get training and an opportunity to have a job in a sheltered environment. 

The program used to receive funding from the state Department of Mental Health until it fell victim to budget cuts, program backers said.

The down economy has been a tough burden for many businesses, and A New Leaf still needs to cover the cost of its rent. However, the employees seem to be blossoming.