HADDON TOWNSHIP — A new retail venture in Haddon Township is combining entrepreneurship with a mission to empower young adults with disabilities. Planting Possibilities, founded by Ginny Wagner and Dan Cho of Haddonfield, is not just a destination for houseplant enthusiasts—it’s a hands-on training ground designed to provide meaningful vocational experiences for special-needs individuals.
Wagner and Cho started the business with a personal goal: to help their daughter Casey gain practical job skills that could serve her in the future. Inspired by Casey’s love of plants and her desire to work in a retail setting, the couple envisioned a business model that could grow into a supportive workplace for other young adults with disabilities. “We wanted a place where Casey could learn the ins and outs of running a business while developing confidence and independence,” Wagner explained.
Planting Possibilities offers a curated selection of indoor plants, terrariums, and plant care accessories. Customers can browse the store’s thoughtfully designed displays and receive guidance on selecting and caring for their plants. While the shop functions as a traditional retail environment, it also serves as a training platform where participants practice key skills such as customer interaction, inventory management, plant care, and cash handling.
Cho emphasized that the goal is to provide a structured, inclusive environment where young adults with disabilities can explore their interests and build transferable skills. “We want this to be more than just a store,” he said. “It’s a space where people can grow, both literally and figuratively, and gain the confidence to succeed in future employment opportunities.”
As Planting Possibilities establishes itself in the Haddon Township community, Wagner and Cho plan to expand the vocational program to support additional participants. They hope that, over time, the shop will become a model for integrating small business operations with meaningful skill development, showing how local enterprises can create opportunities for individuals often overlooked in traditional job settings.
Community members are already responding to the initiative with enthusiasm. Shoppers appreciate the hands-on advice and personalized service provided by staff, and local educators have expressed interest in collaborating to offer internships or volunteer opportunities. By blending commerce with education, Planting Possibilities demonstrates how a small business can have a significant social impact.
The Haddon Township shop is part of a broader trend of businesses using their operations to provide vocational training and meaningful experiences for people with disabilities. Experts note that programs like this not only foster independence but also help integrate participants into the workforce, providing pathways to sustainable employment.
For those interested in visiting or supporting Planting Possibilities, the store offers a welcoming environment where plant lovers and families can explore a variety of greenery while supporting a mission that goes beyond sales. Ginny Wagner and Dan Cho hope that the business will continue to flourish, nurturing both plants and the potential of every young adult who walks through its doors.
For more information on local businesses in New Jersey that are making an impact, visit Explore New Jersey Business for news, features, and profiles on enterprises driving growth and opportunity across the state.
