Art of Recycle is not your typical nonprofit - far from it. Its name, its origin story, its methodology all make it stand out. But Art of Recycle fills societal needs that wouldn't otherwise be filled, while engaging the community.

In many ways, Art of Recycle reflects the character and personality of its co-founder Chelas Montanye, an artist, a handy person and a social worker.

"In my efforts to get through life, I use my art," said Montanye, who doubles as Art of Recycle's creative director. "Throughout my life, I was always very poor. When I was younger, we were always taught how to repair things."

Located at 27 Cloister Ave., Ephrata, Art of Recycle offers a wide variety of services and programs to underprivileged people and individuals with disabilities. It provides educational resources, art classes, teaching supplies, books, programs, free activities, employment opportunities and volunteer opportunities, and its Underseas crafting area is free and open to everyone during regular business hours, Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We look at the need, and if it's a need that's not being filled, we think maybe we can fill it," said Montanye. "If there's a need and no one is filling it, we shift in that direction. If we can't do it, we tell people. There are not enough services to help everyone. We do as much as we can, but there are some things we can't do. There are a lot of challenges out there in the world."

Art of Recycle helps citizens with physical and mental disabilities, some of whom can't walk, talk or concentrate for extended periods, as well as life-skill students from the Ephrata and Cocalico school districts. At any one time, the nonprofit serves 10 to 20 clients.

Art of Recycle also cooperates and works with other civic and socially minded organizations like educators, youth groups, rehabilitation agencies, service clubs, churches, senior centers, libraries, theaters, homeschool co-ops and other nonprofits.

"I just have this knack for knowing people. It's more instinct," said Montanye, who has a bachelor's degree in sociology and a son who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. "We don't know their diagnoses. So we evaluate them in our own way. We ask them what they enjoy doing. It's the way we treat people. It's the way we talk to people."

"It's not a place where you come and all you do is work," continued Montanye. "Some people can only focus for 15 minutes. People have limitations. That's one thing some businesses don't understand. It makes such a significant difference in these people's lives."

Art of Recycle's reuse-it craft and book store raises a major portion of its funding. Donated items like fabric, arts and craft supplies, wood crafts, music, books, decor, holiday items and sewing supplies are repurposed, recycled and turned into up to $200,000 a year.

"When you walk in, you think we're just a store. But then you realize how unique we are," said Montanye. "Everything is donated because we help so many people. People see what we're doing, and they say, 'How can we do that?' We have gained the trust of the community. We help people and they remember it. People want to see nonprofits succeed."

For additional information about Art of Recycle, go to http://www.artofrecycle.org.