RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- There's a happy little kitchen in north Raleigh doing two wonderful things; baking all natural dog treats and creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities.
"Ella and Bella Pet Company" is named after two best friends, Ella and her dog Bella.
Ella's mom, Kristine Flora, started the nonprofit for her daughter right before Ella graduated from high school.
"My daughter Ella has down syndrome," Flora explains, "She was finishing high school, and we were kind of looking at this cliff coming of what's going to happen next."
The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is twice that of others without disabilities. The options after graduation, Flora says, is staying at home watching tv or adult programs that can be very expensive.
Finding a kitchen to run the company and make the dog treats was not easy.
"We started calling out to a few churches, and right away they were like, no, no, no," Flora said.
That changed when Flora called the American Legion Raleigh Post 1, the oldest American Legion post in North Carolina and one of the oldest in the country.
That's when Flora met Angel.
"He said, I'm in. And it was like it just lined up and my son said, what's his name? I said, his name is Angel. He said, do you need further proof?" Flora laughs.
Post Commander Angel Menendez said the partnership aligns with the American Legion's mission.
"It's consistent with our mission. The Mission is our veterans, their families, and the community. And what more can we do? What beauty and what connection can we have? To have a partnership with an organization like Ellen Bella, and the American Legion. It's ideal. It's perfect. And we love it."
Since starting in July, Ella and Bella Pet Company now has 19 team members and a waitlist. The volunteers do everything from baking and packaging to marketing.
Team member Deanna Choplin helps spread the word about the products.
"I call vet and doggy day spas and ask if we can put our product in, stores and stuff," Choplin said.
Anthony Bonapart at the American Legion is committed to helping the community.
"Here at American Legion Post one. We are about, helping the community, especially kids," he said.
The company's handmade, all-natural dog treats recently earned the "Got to Be NC" designation, recognizing products made in North Carolina.
The team hopes to eventually get the treats into grocery stores. Choplin is also excited about the possibility of having them featured at the state fair's "Got to Be NC" location.
"At least we have a chance, it's exciting," Choplin said.
For Flora, the business is about much more than selling dog treats. It's about giving people with disabilities a place to contribute and feel connected to their community.
"This is not about making money. This is about finding a purpose for all of our team members somewhere where they can go and do something that's productive for society, giving back to the community," Flora said.
At Ella and Bella Pet Company, every treat serves a bigger purpose — creating opportunities, building community and showing what North Carolina-made can mean.