Little Friends new Connecting Adults with Communities (CAC) program is off to a great start, assisting neurodiverse young adults in preparing for employment and greater independence. As the first session of CAC comes to an end, our team has seen an increase in the self-confidence and self-advocacy skills of the program participants. This has been achieved through experiential learning, guest speakers, community outings, and even virtual reality, which have helped the participants learn more about themselves and future employment opportunities. Upon completing the session, one participant said, “I didn’t expect to learn so much information about myself, but I’m glad I did!”

To further support vocational opportunities for the individuals we serve in underrepresented workforce sectors, Little Friends is excited to announce a new partnership with Ken’s Krew, the first of its kind in Illinois. Ken’s Krew, founded in 1997, provides job placement training and support for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, primarily focusing on customer service positions with Home Depot. We are thrilled to be involved in this opportunity, as both organizations share the mission of helping individuals gain employment.

Do you know a young adult ready to take the next step in their vocational journey? We invite them to join our upcoming June skills development session! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others in a supportive environment. For more information, please contact our program director, Cassidy Kaput. If you are a business seeking enthusiastic and skilled staff, Connecting Adults with Communities is eager to collaborate with you.