“According to recent census figures, more than 230,000 individuals with a cognitive disability reside in the DFW Metropolitan area. Representing a population that is roughly the size of the entire city of Plano, adults with special needs have very few educational opportunities available once they age out of the public school system.
“At My Possibilities (MP) we seek to fill this void by providing quality educational programs that challenge the status quo within the industry. Individuals in our programs, lovingly referred to as HIPsters (Hugely Important People), are given opportunities to advance their development in independent living, pre-vocational and vocational skills, health and wellness, community involvement, creative expression, and self-advocacy. My Possibilities goes far and beyond what other programs offer within the state of Texas.
“One unique area of education offered at My Possibilities is the Culinary Arts Program, which was launched in 2014. Two full-time instructors, who both have extensive backgrounds in the culinary industry, teach the HIPsters the basics of practical home cooking, including food safety, food preparation, how to operate appliances, and how to shop at local grocery stores, all of which cultivate development of their independent living skills.
“’As the Culinary Arts Program grew over the following years it became obvious that the culinary world aligned seamlessly with the mission and objectives of My Possibilities. “We realized that a large group of HIPsters were demonstrating a natural aptitude in the kitchen, and furthermore, those individuals could potentially gain employment in the industry,’ said Michael Thomas, Executive Director for the organization.
“From this success came the creation of My Possibilities Catering Services in September 2015. In this program a group of HIPsters are paid employees of My Possibilities, and they prep, cook, and serve food for special events in the community. Just in the first year the HIPsters catered over 40 events for up to three hundred people at a time. The team’s reputation grew, their experience reached new levels of proficiency, and they now have the capacity to cater 7-10 events per week. HIPsters with a keen interest in food preparation or other aspects of the culinary arts now have a vocational pathway to develop professional skills, earn income, and experience the pride that accompanies success.
“Regardless of the interest in working within their communities, employment opportunities for people with disabilities are lacking. With such a lack of diversity in the workforce, training at My Possibilities allows the HIPsters to gain relevant work experience, enabling them to become viable candidates for employment in the community. The combination of hands on training and support from the MP University job coach ensures a secure future for an otherwise underemployed population.
“Brian is one HIPster who has benefitted from the many educational programs offered at My Possibilities. Almost a year ago Brian took a class to receive his Food Handler License in the City of Plano, and today he works full-time in the kitchen at Sunrise Senior Living. Because of the leadership and guidance he received from the culinary instructors, experience attained with MP Catering team, and onsite job training with a certified job coach, Brian was able to prove his value as an employee.
“Alongside over 2,000 non-profits in North Texas, My Possibilities will be participating in North Texas Giving Day on Thursday, September 22. This is a brilliant opportunity for people across the nation to come together to support the North Texas community. Donations made to My Possibilities on this day will help take their innovative programs to an even higher level. Make your donation on September 22 at www.MyPossibilitiesGivingDay.org!”
-By Lauren McCormick, My Possibilities Social Media and Marketing Coordinator
* Photo credit: David Ochoa ** Graphic and photos provided by My Possibilities ______
In seven years, North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $119 million into the North Texas community. In 2015, $33 million was raised through more than 118,000 gifts benefiting over 2,000 nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 22, support My Possibilities by linking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay