Labor Of Love

While in Japan, Pat Kirkpatrick got the idea for Clausen House: a catering service which employs the develop mentally disabled. Labor of Love, produced and directed by Bliss Bruen, is the story of Clausen House. And what a story. In its short running time, the film introduces Ben, a genial and downright urbane caterer; Dan, a graduate of the catering school who thanks to the program has now gained both total self- sufficiency and a promising outlook for career work; and Monica, an initially stubborn, but eventually quite accomplished craftswoman, among others. They are all developmentally disabled; they are also unforgettable. Kirkpatrick emphasizes that this is not a charity program; these people are there to learn a trade and make a living. And the companies that have hired Clausen House's services (Kaiser and Pacific Gas and Electric, for example) have done so because the firm delivers quality. So does the film. Highly recommended. (Available from ONEWEST Media, 559 Onate Place, P.O. Box 5766, Sante Fe, NM 87501).