According to My Possibilities Marketing and Communications Manager Rhys Wolf,
“My Possibilities (MP) is a nonprofit organization based in North Texas that addresses the challenge of providing educational and vocational opportunities for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). As a widely underserved community, MP aims to enhance the overall quality of life for adults with IDD; placing great emphasis on providing educational opportunities, vocational training, social integration, independent living, and supporting the families and caregivers who assist the adults we serve.
“For 15 years, MP has paved the way for inclusion and advocacy on behalf of adults with IDD. What started in a small storefront-turned-school supporting only 10 Hugely Important People (HIPsters), quickly blossomed into a collegiate-style campus serving over 500 individuals a week through high-quality continued education and vocational programming. When three mothers first envisioned a life in which their adult sons with IDD would thrive, they dreamt of a program that would provide education, job training, and residential opportunities for their deserving children.
“Too often adults with IDD face limited access to continuing education programs after completing their formal schooling. To that end, MP has developed specialized educational programs that provide access to continuing education opportunities. By addressing the educational services gap, MP contributes to a more inclusive society where individuals with IDD can continue to learn and develop life-long learning skills.
“Many adults with IDD require support in developing essential life skills to lead more independent lives. MP offers programming that teaches personal hygiene, financial literacy, cooking, transportation, community engagement, and household management, empowering individuals to become more interdependent. Without the kind of support MP offers to adults in the IDD community, most would not dream of accomplishing milestones that many neurotypical individuals commonly take for granted.
“MP creates an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals can connect with peers, participate in social activities, and build meaningful relationships. While adults with IDD often experience limited integration opportunities, MP programming helps combat social isolation and fosters a sense of appreciation for sameness amidst challenges with experiential individuality.
“Regionally, MP is reframing the way North Texas thinks about diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for adults with IDD. This fall, the Employment Innovations School, powered by Bread Financial, will offer vocational training and certification in administration, retail, facilities, hospitality, technology, and culinary pathways through hands-on, work-based learning. Opening our Employment Innovations School is a testament to the depth of MP’s commitment to sourcing a highly specialized and untapped workforce. Our goal is to train HIPsters to become loyal and dedicated employees, helping organizations increase efficiency and social responsibility through inclusive hiring practices.
“MP’s Career Services department works closely with participants whose ambitions extend beyond the classroom and into the workforce. Finding suitable employment is challenging for adults with IDD due to various obstacles, including limited job skills, social barriers, and lack of inclusive opportunities. MP provides vocational training programs designed to equip individuals and corporate partners with skills, accessibility awareness, and job-related training, increasing their chances of securing meaningful employment and fostering an inclusive employment pool.”
* Photo credit: Graphic/photo provided by My Possibilities
In 14 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $503 million into the North Texas community. In 2022, more than $62.6 million was raised through 94,385 donors benefiting over 3,210 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 21, support My Possibilities by clicking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay2