One father from Ohio wanted to give his Down syndrome children a sense of purpose, so he did something touching. Knowing that his children could struggle to obtain work, he designed a one-of-a-kind employment strategy for them.

Joel Wegener cherishes his children. They were both born with Down syndrome but refused to let that hold them back.

The sky was the limit with a loving father like Joel, and they went on many excursions together. One of the family’s most recent ventures garnered news attention and inspired others in similar situations.

Joel’s brilliant plan involved purchasing an antique ice cream truck in April 2021. The retired instructor spent slightly more than $6,000 for the car, which was ready for use after a few repairs.

He hired his children and taught them a variety of social and commercial skills. Freida Wegener, Joel’s wife, proposed the brilliant moniker “Special Neat Treats” as a play on the phrase “special needs,” and it was an instant success in their local communities.

Joel reported that the family has sold over 10,000 sweets in the Cincinnati region, with ambitions to grow their business in the future.

Josh and Mary Kate were the finest employees, constantly smiling and providing ice cream. They also served as a positive influence on other special needs families by demonstrating that nothing is impossible.

Joel thought the ice cream truck would delight his children, but he had no idea how others would react. The general public encouraged them and backed their modest enterprise.

The father understood that while he would always have to be there for Josh and Mary Kate, the ice cream truck gave them a feeling of freedom and something to focus on. “It’s much more than selling ice cream,” he continued.

Every sweltering day, the town of Loveland gathers in large numbers to purchase the family’s delectable popsicles. Mary Kate couldn’t disguise her delight because the position was her lifelong ambition. She had always wanted to work alongside her father, and now she could. Joel stated:

“We were apprehensive about what [Mary] would be able to do after she turned 22, but the ice cream truck has put our minds at ease.”

Joel reported that the family has sold over 10,000 sweets in the Cincinnati region, with ambitions to grow their business in the future.

Josh and Mary Kate have learned how to handle money and communicate with others while having fun thanks to their imaginative and unique company idea. Josh described why he adored his job:

“Because [the customers] adore ice cream and yell for it when they ask for it.”

The family wishes to increase awareness for the special needs population and feels that businesses should recruit more individuals with diverse talents because they are capable of doing so much.

The touching story of Josh and Mary Kate did not go unnoticed. Many people were encouraged by their efforts and praised the kind father who went above and beyond for his children.

“My husband and I would like to thank you for everything you do! Every time, it brings tears to his eyes. “May the Lord continue to bless you in everything that you do!”

September 16, 2022 (Michelle Liga)
“You already know how much I adore you, Neat Treats. Frieda, you and your husband are amazing! “I wish Charleston would do something like this for our special needs children.”

July 26, 2022 (Cynthia McGarett)

“This incredible trip offers so much delight to everyone.”

December 24, 2021 (JoElla Miller-Zimmerman)
“I just saw you all on Today and checked you up! “Congratulations on an excellent job!”

December 24, 2021 (Candace W. Monaghan)
“You have been an inspiration to me since the first time I met you in junior high.” “You have a talent!”

October 21, 2021 (Angi Ivy)

Despite their health issues, these two adorable youngsters have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime vacation thanks to their father. Joel, congratulations! We wish them and their family all the best as they continue to bring pleasure wherever they go.