Achieve, Inc.

My name is Matteo DiLillo, and I'm a young adult with a learning disability.  I know first hand the difficulties of getting meaningful work experience because of my learning disability. My family and I are raising money to benefit Achieve Inc., a nonprofit that we started to provide work experience for teens and young adults with learning disabilities such as autism, ADD/ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, & nonverbal learning disability. 

WHO WE ARE:  Achieve, Inc., a 501(c)(3), provides social and cognitive skills training, job training and employment for young adults with learning disabilities.

WHY WE DO IT:  There is a severe lack of job opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities such as autism, ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, and nonverbal learning disability in rural Colorado so it is extremely difficult for this population to gain experience and meaningful employment that will allow them to live independently.  

FIRST PROJECT: Achieve’s first project is operating a small food truck (Little Engine Eatery) that has employed several young adults with learning disabilities.  

BENEFITS: Working at the food trailer not only provided these young adults with paid employment, they were able to learn business skills such as handling money, customer service, and social skills.  They learned how a small business operates and how to successfully interact with the general public. Earning a wage gives them confidence and incentive to continue to develop skills that will make them more likely to successfully maintain long-term employment.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:  Monies raised will be used for Little Engine Eatery's operating expenses such as permits, rent, insurance, uniforms, and minimum wage paid to learning disabled workers.  The mentors are volunteers.

I really appreciate your help with this project that means so much to me and other young adults in rural Colorado. To help get the word out, you can share the link to your Facebook Timeline!