Mission Statement
Creating jobs and advocating for adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). The lack of opportunities for adults with autism/IDD becomes glaringly obvious when this population leaves the school system after the age of 22. Prior to age 22, school and several other services are federally and state mandated. For adults with disabilities, services are based on eligibility and availability, and those services are becoming increasingly scarce. The Power of the Dream is an organization that recognizes these challenges and envisions a future where adults with autism/IDD have meaningful choices wherever they live, learn, earn, play and pray.
Description
The Power of the Dream, Inc. leads a Triangle wide community collaboration to creat jobs and training opportunities for adults with autism and/or intellectaul developmental disabilities. The PowerUp Inclusive Employment Task Force is working on creating models for employment which will serve the needs of both employers and employees.
Leading by example, The Power of the Dream, Inc. operates a thrift store in North Raleigh where most employees have autism or developmental disabilities. The HANDmeUPs store is located at 8320 Litchford Rd., Suite 201, Raleigh NC 27615 (next to the Food Lion). It was opened for the sole purpose of providing employment opportunities to individuals with autism and other intellectual developmental disabilites.
It also provides display space for disabled micro-entrepreneurs, giving them an opportunity to sell their art work, crafts and goods. For more information go to: http://www.handmeupsthrift.org
The Power of the Dream, Inc. educates individuals, families and businesses about customized employment and customized self-employment.
The Power of the Dream, Inc. actively advocates for adults with autism / IDD in a variety of venues.
