Pick
Choose a design, colors, and how much help feels right. There is no single correct way to make something.
Art. Music. Belonging.
Every bead begins
with a choice.
Reeds Beads & Beyond started with my brother Matt, a box of fusion beads, and the joy he found in creating. Now we want to help Matt keep growing and give other people with disabilities the same chance, one small workshop at a time.
What matters to us
A place to create, be yourself, and belong.
We are starting with small, welcoming fusion-bead workshops for people with disabilities.
The goal is simple: give each person time, choices, encouragement, and a chance to feel proud of what they made. Matt shows us what that can lead to — new skills, more confidence, and the chance to go places and share his work. As we learn what people enjoy and need, they will help us decide what Reeds Beads & Beyond becomes next.
DignityChoiceBelongingJoy
Our first workshops
Start with one good workshop.
We do not need a large building or a long list of programs to begin. We need a welcoming space, the right supplies, a few people, and time to learn what works.
Make
Work at your own pace with clear visual steps, hands-on help when needed, and people creating beside you.
Tell
Name your piece or share the story behind it. If you would rather let the art speak for itself, that is okay too.
Share
With each artist's permission, we may display finished work at a small showcase or test a few items at a local event.
Our first year is for learning. We hope to hold up to six small workshops and one or two simple showcases. We are not planning a facility, large inventory, vehicle, or paid staff until we know the basic program works and people want to return.
Why “Beyond” is in our name
Beads are only the beginning.
Fusion beads are where we know how to start. Over time, “Beyond” may grow to include music, outings, and other creative activities, but only when we have the people, partners, and support to do them well.
Music and making things
Matt loves music almost as much as beads. A future session might be as simple as a favorite playlist, a sing-along, or easy rhythm activities while people create.
Going places
Travel and outings matter to Matt. We want to grow toward trips and showcase visits that let participants see new places and share their work.
A comfortable place to be
Whatever the activity is, we want people to feel welcome, take breaks when they need them, make their own choices, and be accepted as themselves.
Creativity during hard times
Art and music helped us after losing our dad. In the future, we would like to explore gentle creative gatherings for people going through grief or change.
Our first-year plan
Start small, learn, and then decide what comes next.
For us, success means people enjoy the workshop and want to come back. It also means we can afford the supplies, our partners want to work with us again, and we are honest about what we can handle.
- Borrow or use low-cost accessible spaces
- Buy supplies for each workshop instead of building a large inventory
- Ask participants and families what worked and what did not
- Make a fair plan before selling anyone else's artwork
What we're aiming for
Up to 6small workshops
12–20people taking part
1–2small showcases
2local partners
These are starting goals, not promises. We will adjust them after the first two workshops based on what participants need and what we can realistically manage.Nothing about us without us.Matt and every future participant deserve a real say in the activities, artwork, stories, and decisions that involve them.
Nonprofit proof
Reeds Beads & Beyond is here to serve.
We want supporters to know exactly what this nonprofit represents: Matt's growth, real creative opportunities, honest support for people with disabilities in our community, and public documents they can review.
IRS 501(c)(3) determination
The IRS determination letter dated November 5, 2025 confirms Reeds Beads & Beyond is exempt under Section 501(c)(3), effective April 2, 2025.
Public charity status
The letter lists Reeds Beads & Beyond as a public charity under IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), with contributions deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Official EIN
The IRS assigned Reeds Beads & Beyond EIN 33-3593536. It is listed below for transparency, while the assignment notice is kept private.
Clear use of support
Support goes toward supplies, accessible workshops, small showcases, and travel or outing opportunities for Matt and other participants.
Documents
Real proof supporters can open and review.
Transparency: Our IRS determination letter is available to review below. Additional organizational documents, including our Articles of Organization, are available upon request at Cait@reedsbeadsbeyond.com.
Request nonprofit documentsIRS 501(c)(3) determination letterDated November 5, 2025 · exemption effective April 2, 2025
EIN: 33-3593536Displayed as text only — the CP 575 notice is not posted publicly.
Articles of OrganizationAvailable upon request — send a note through our contact form.
Helpful next proof items to add when ready: a board/officer list, annual reports, workshop photos, and a simple impact update.
Help us take the first step
We are ready to meet the right people.
Right now, we are looking for interested participants, local partners, and people who believe in giving Matt and this idea a real chance.
Donations to Reeds Beads & Beyond are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Western Massachusetts
Have a question or an idea? I'd love to hear it.
Cait@reedsbeadsbeyond.com