There’s a new reason to stroll down Haddon Avenue in Collingswood—and it’s one that brings heart, creativity, and inclusion to the neighborhood.
The Haddon Connection officially opened its doors last week, offering a unique blend of retail and community space designed to support individuals with disabilities, spark creativity, and foster genuine connection..
It Started With A Vision
This space is the vision of Collingswood resident Keri Pastore, who purchased the building at 713 Haddon Ave back in 2020. Her goal? To create a safe, supportive workplace for her son Zack, a member of the JEVS Human Services Independence Network, which helps adults with disabilities live independently.
Over the past few years, Keri has transformed the once-vacant storefront into a vibrant, welcoming environment. The front of the building features an experiential retail space filled with toys, crafts, and DIY kits for people of all ages. There are tables where families can sit and get creative—perfect for those who don’t have space at home for messy, hands-on projects.
But The Haddon Connection is more than just a shop; the rear of the building includes a lounge, kitchen, and yard where Zack and his friends from the JEVS program can gather, socialize, and thrive. It’s a space designed not just for employment, but for community building.
The Future
What makes this project even more impactful is that Keri isn’t just building a business; she’s crafting a model. The goal is to establish a blueprint for inclusive work environments that can be replicated by other small businesses across the region and beyond.
When?
Open Thursday through Sunday from 11am-6pm, The Haddon Connection is already bringing fresh energy to the avenue—and showing what’s possible when business and community come together with intention.
Whether you’re stopping by for a DIY craft kit, or just want to support a business making a real difference, The Haddon Connection is worth the visit.
Thriving Downtown
Everything a new business opens its doors in one of our incredible downtowns, we can feel the home values rising. If you want to see how this impacts your home value & equity, tap the button below:
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