Inclusive Food Truck-We're Better Together

My name is Lyndsay Boulton and this is (most of) my amazing family. Our 2 youngest children, Ruby & Conner, have Down syndrome and they have changed our lives in the best possible ways! When they joined our family I began to wonder how people would receive them, how would they fit in at school, who would be their friends, who would take them to prom, who would hire them? They are in 2nd and 3rd grade now, fully included in 'typical' classrooms and they are loved by their peers. We have become part of a large community of the most amazing humans who also have children with Down syndrome. The people in our lives are so blessed to know and love Ruby and Conner and our lives have become more enriched by the friends in our Down syndrome community.

I spend a lot of time thinking about how lucky we all are and how I wish EVERYONE had someone in their lives with Down syndrome!
I also spend a lot of time thinking about inclusion, specifically the inclusion of young adults with disabilities in the work force. Less than 20% of people with disabilities are employed. This is unacceptable and I'm on a mission to do my part and make a change where I can.

My idea is to start a food truck and provide employment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I want to bring awareness, representation and forward movement to the inclusion of the intellectual and developmental disability community in the food industry.
One of my favorite quotes is by Walt Whitman- 'Be curious, not judgmental'. I believe what our world needs right now is the opportunity for us all to be curious about one another. I believe from a heart of curiosity and openness will flow acceptance and love. I know that we are all BETTER TOGETHER! This business will create not only jobs for a community that desperately needs employment, but my hope is that as we travel from place to place many people will see how valuable and vital the disabled community is in the work force and they will go back to their own businesses and look to hire someone from the disability community as well. 

I have already purchased a truck for $54,000. I found a fabricator to install the kitchen we will need in the truck for $65,000. I am in the process of applying for a micro-loan for another $50,000. I am investing over $100,000 into this project because I believe in it with all of my heart! But even with the micro-loan I will still be short about $20,000 with the kitchen build and supplies.

So here is where you come in! Since our core value is BETTER TOGETHER I figured I would come to you and ask if you would join me in this project if this is something you believe in?

Would you consider joining me and my family with a small donation and then share this page with your friends?