Achieve, Inc.

Since 2017, Achieve, Inc. provides cognitive and social skills training, job training, and paid employment to neuro-diverse teens and young adults in Chaffee, Lake, Custer, and western Fremont Counties. Achieve operates a seasonal food truck (called Little Engine Eatery) that employs an underserved population in rural Colorado, namely people with learning disabilities such as autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, Tourette’s and nonverbal learning disabilities.

Our target participants have the potential to live independently, provided they receive the right resources and training. No such training or programming currently is available in the area. The School to Work Alliance (SWAP) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) office provide placement, but not real-world training. School districts do not have the funding to address this need. Starpoint provides programming for adults with special needs, but most of Achieve’s Program participants do not qualify for Starpoint (although Achieve serves as a resource for Starpoint clients with learning disabilities.) No other organization has taken the initiative in the counties serviced by Achieve to meet the need for employment training and placement of citizens with learning disabilities. Because of this lack of programming, families with neuro-diverse family members often end up relocating to the front range to have needs addressed; our hope is that families with learning disabilities in the Central Rockies can remain within their communities.

Studies show that people with neuro-diversity face significant hurdles in obtaining and maintaining employment. The vast majority of adults on the autism spectrum are either unemployed or underemployed, with estimates ranging to as high as 90% (Autism Speaks website, 2022). Because of deficits in social skills, neuro-diverse children frequently do not have opportunities to participate in activities that build social and executive function skills. Many are bullied and excluded from team sports, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities. This translates to a lack of confidence that carries on as they age, ultimately affecting their ability to succeed in the job market. The majority of these folks simply join the ranks of the unemployed, often spiraling into depression and a lack of self-worth. Neuro-diverse adults have 46% higher odds of having attempted suicide than their peers without learning problems (Fuller-Thomson, Carroll, Yang, 2018). The current pandemic has increased the isolation of this special population.

Achieve offers first jobs to people unable to obtain employment and training for people unable to retain meaningful employment. Practical paid work experience under the tutelage of paid mentors enables program participants to acquire marketable job and life skills including: problem-solving, communication, self-advocacy, adaptation, and teamwork. Achieve’s programs enable an underserved population to obtain and maintain meaningful employment and independence while boosting their self-confidence and sense of self-worth. Program participants develop into a qualified work force, becoming contributing members of society.

Achieve’s success is due in part to extensive community collaboration.  Achieve partners with the local school systems, particularly school counselors and special education teachers, to identify qualified participants. Little Engine Eatery operates on Buena Vista School District property.  Most of the mentors are current or retired special education teachers and paraprofessionals.  Achieve works with Mountain BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) and local SWAP coordinators to identify participants and refine programming techniques and goals.  The Buena Vista Heritage Society supplies (for a small fee) utilities, storage facilities, and restrooms to program participants.  Achieve sources products locally whenever possible, including offering fresh buns from Loback’s Bakery.