Meet Alison Haraburda | Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Haraburda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The current culture talks a lot about diversity, equity, and inclusion, but still excludes those with disabilities. Inclusion is to be included in life. Most individuals participating in One Day Niche can not drive or transport themselves. Yet, there are very few options for transportation and allowing them to be included in the community. Some say, that there is public transportation, but if you can’t navigate on your own or if it does not service your community, it does little to no good.

All the talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion is just that, without action.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Prior to launching One Day Niche, I spent time in the community asking questions and seeing if I could find a program that I could model after. After about 4 years of visiting places, it became clear that in my community there was nothing developed that was like my dream.

I worked through the process of coming up with a name, working with a lawyer to develop the needed paperwork to become a non-profit, and then launching the brand.

There were many changes along the way, but it is still more than what I had dreamed. It has been an exciting 1st year, but also very challenging. Funding and finding places where we can do activities have been the biggest obstacles to overcome. BUT with the support of the families who allow their individuals to attend along with family and friends, the 1st year has been accomplished!!

There was some upfront seed money to launch and purchase a vehicle, but this 1st year has been tough, trying to make a little bit, along with hiring staff and making sure the individuals we serve are well cared for.

One Day Niche must be doing something right as we have grown from 3 individuals attending to just over 30 within 1 year!!

One lesson learned is don’t quit. It is very hard to start something from the ground up, but keep dreaming and keep going. We have been faithfully prayed for and I know that has been a huge blessing for One Day Niche this 1st year!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since One Day Niche is an activity-based day program and we get out in the community doing fun things every day, I’ll share a few of our favorites.

Fredrick Meijer Garden is a must. No matter the season, there is always something new. We like the kid area as in the summer there is a water area that has a scaled version of the Great Lakes.

Grand Rapids Public Museum – Throughout the year their exhibits change, but there are some cool things year-round. If you are lucky enough, you can watch a volunteer match a top out of wood and give it to you!

Downtown Rockford – The White Pine Trail runs through Rockford, but there are many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks to visit as well as the dam. We have sat for hours to watch the wildlife around the dam. The fish jump in the spring and fall and that is fun to watch.

Downtown Grand Rapids – If you visit in the fall there is Art Prize where there is art displayed throughout the city. But many become permanent installations so there is a lot of fun Art pieces to see. If you visit on a Tuesday afternoon, the Grand Rapids Art Museum is free then!!

As for food, both Grand Rapids and Rockford have some very local places, for breakfast check out the Peppermill Grill, for lunch Ucellos or Peppinos and for dinner or late night check out Z’s

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Parents – My mom passed away almost 11 years ago and my dad is still going strong. They instilled a helpful, caring, and lovely character in me while I was growing up. Many people that know my parents say that I am carrying on their legacy well by developing and launching a day program for individuals often excluded from the community.

Website: www.onedayniche.org

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alison-haraburda-097835295

Facebook: www.facebook.com/onedayniche

Youtube: @onedayniche8112