Harlan’s Place

Providing a Safe Haven for Individuals with Disabilities

By Morgan Power | Photography courtesy of Harlan’s Place Foundation

Michael and Marina Carey, parents of the beloved Harlan, who has Down syndrome, are also the founders of Stock & Trade Design Company in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Their personal journey led them to establish Harlan’s Place Foundation, with a mission to create a safe environment for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disorders to enjoy independence and the richness of life. Michael’s passion for construction and success in flipping antique furniture led to the establishment of Stock & Trade, which offers retail showrooms and design services to the public, along with unprecedented programs for the design trade, builders, architects, and developers.

After wondering what life would look like for their son in the future and not finding adequate results in the area, the Careys founded Harlan’s Place Foundation to help all people thrive and experience the same opportunities as others without a disability in a setting that respects unique strengths and aspirations. Casting aside their original plan to create a multifamily housing project, Michael Carey knew this purpose and foundation would be much more significant, ultimately benefiting his cherished son, Harlan, and others like him.

“I want him to work, I want him to volunteer in the community, I want him to feel motivated, I want him to find a passion, I want him to be inspired,” Michael shares. “After extensive research, I couldn’t find what I was looking for. It was while I was reviewing some plans for an apartment complex that we were about to break ground on when I realized my answer for Harlan was sitting right in front of me.”

As a nonprofit organization that promotes building connections, embracing uniqueness, and nurturing potential, Harlan’s Place Foundation will offer sixty fully-furnished dwelling units in a resort-style facility with life-enhancing amenities such as walking trails, shared common areas, transportation to and from jobs, a serene pond, safety features, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and much more. Thanks to the help and support from sponsors and others in the area, this project will begin construction in 2025. It will provide individuals with a warm and nurturing environment to thrive, either as their permanent home or as a place to visit for programs and activities with others.

This program will serve our community by providing a safe and enriching environment for anyone with a disability. Through Harlan’s Place Foundation, both immediate and long-term needs can be met and exceeded for individuals with disabilities. One of the foundation’s most important missions is to create a world where everyone can live a life of independence and fulfillment regardless of ability.

A Gatsby Gala

Ready to make a difference? On September 21, 2024, join us in the glitz and glamor of the Roaring Twenties at our Gatsby Gala at Stock & Trade Design Co. This event, inspired by the elegance and vibrancy of the 1920s, will be an enchanting evening filled with live music, dancing, and an air of excitement as we embark on a journey to support a noble cause. This evening will inspire you to be part of something bigger than yourself by featuring a speakeasy, Prohibition-era themes, jazzy tunes by Pensacola-based band Nobius, and Josh Vietti, a hip-hop violinist from New York.

We were about to break ground on when I realized my answer for Harlan was sitting right in front of me

Engage in our raffle and silent auction, filled with exquisite items and unique experiences just waiting to be won! Whether you’re a classic flapper or a dapper gentleman, don your most elegant Gatsby attire and join the dazzling evening. The anticipation of winning these unique experiences will add an extra layer of excitement to your evening.

Every ticket purchased, bid made, and donation contributed directly advances the Harlan’s Place Foundation’s mission to provide essential help and resources to individuals with Down syndrome. Your support, no matter how big or small, is a vital part of the community effort that significantly impacts the lives of those we aim to serve.

Can’t attend the event? Your generous donation will still be incredibly impactful and appreciated. Plus, you can still participate in our live auction’s excitement! Join us for a night to remember as we gather to promote positive change and create a lasting impact.

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Visit HarlansPlace.org to learn more, get tickets, or donate to this incredible new nonprofit and upcoming community. To learn more about Michael Carey and his selfless vision to give back to his community, please check out his YouTube interview with Lisa Marie Burwell on VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul podcast.

About Stock & Trade

Stock & Trade Design Co. is a home furnishing company that blends creativity, functionality, and style to create beautiful living spaces. As a family-run design firm and furniture store, Stock & Trade aims to bring luxury into homes across the Southeast. They have storefront locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Whether you want to refresh a single room or design your dream home from the ground up, Stock & Trade’s design team is prepared to bring your vision to life. The company believes that your living space should reflect your personality and style, and offers luxury pieces at affordable prices.

Stock & Trade Design Co.’s furniture collection includes sleek, modern designs as well as classic and traditional styles, all handpicked to seamlessly integrate into your home for years to come.

With plenty of in-stock items and thousands of custom options, the design possibilities are limitless. Whether you prefer a contemporary vibe or a timeless look, Stock & Trade’s design team has the expertise to make any style a reality.

Stock & Trade Design Co. is committed to creating positive experiences for customers, from the moment you walk into the store to the final setup of your space. They are ready to guide you through every step of this exciting process. If you’re ready to design your dream space, visit Stock & Trade today.

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