MICHAEL

It’s easy to see how Michael, a quiet, unassuming young man could have trouble interacting with people. Until you put him in a room and see how he lights up. His smile is infectious!

For many years, Michael, who lives in one of Aspire’s community homes, avoided people. He was easily overwhelmed around even the smallest crowds and liked to stay by himself. He worked at Aspire’s sheltered workshop, a supervised workplace that isolates adults with disabilities. Here, he didn’t need to socialize. He had no personal goals that encouraged him to push himself.

Then things changed. Aspire closed our segregated workshop and built the new Aspire Career Academy which trains young adults for jobs outside the four walls of the Academy – jobs in the community. This new environment pushed Michael out of his comfort zone. He gained a new sense of purpose and was encouraged to set goals that would lead to a job in the community.

This ignited Michael’s ambition. He learned how to make friends, he became comfortable in group settings, and slowly but surely he made his way up the ranks at the Academy. This February, Michael graduated from Aspire’s “Fast Track” program where he focused on janitorial and culinary skills. Now he is officially on the market to find a job that will kick off his career! His future is full of possibilities and he now has the drive and the training to take on the world. He’s ready to show the world what he can do!