December 2021 - BroadFutures

December 2021 Newsletter

Happy Holidays from the BroadFutures team!

An End of Year Message from our CEO, Carolyn Jeppsen

As I look back on 2021 l am filled with pride thinking about all that BroadFutures has accomplished – against all odds. I am so grateful to our incredibly supportive, generous, and inspired community. We are only thriving because of all of you.

Small nonprofits have suffered greatly with the challenges imposed by COVID-19, especially those like BroadFutures whose work depends on in-person programming. Yet here we are, growing, expanding and continuing to serve our community. Over the past year we have served 33 young people from all over the country through our internship and expanded Strengths programs and dozens more through our outreach efforts. We have extended our reach nationally by speaking at conferences, webinars and information sessions. We were able to come together in person as a community this fall, holding one of our most successful fundraisers to date.

As we look to 2022, I see our efforts focused on creating new partnerships and initiatives to spread the opportunities for neurodiverse young people as well as support for employers in understanding the talent and promise of those who think and learn differently. In doing so, we continue to be laser focused on creating a diverse and vibrant workplace for all. So thanks to all of you for helping to build up and support BroadFutures during this critical time and wishing you a very happy and joy filled holiday season and New Year!

CEO/President/Co-Founder

Consider a donation to BroadFutures this December

Your gift will lead to a young person’s success

Thanks to all of you for helping to revolutionize the workplace. Please consider an end of year gift that will last long into the New Year by ensuring we are able to continue to serve the young people who are at the heart of our mission. Your thoughtful support provides vital tools and resources for those who learn differently. Thank you.

Donate

Intern & Employer Spotlights – Alex Mentzell & TASH

Alex continues to work with TASH past his internship this summer

Alex, a 21-year-old from Takoma Park, Maryland, participated in the BroadFutures Summer 2021 Internship Program. He did an excellent job interning at TASH, a disability advocacy organization that works to advocate for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs. TASH has been a partner with BroadFutures since 2018. This summer, Alex helped with a variety of tasks during his internship, and was especially helpful with video editing. Alex’s work was so helpful that his absence was significantly noticed when his internship ended – so TASH decided to bring him back on! “Alex did such a great job when he was an intern,” said Donald Taylor, Membership & Communications Manager at TASH, as well as Alex’s supervisor, “so we knew he would continue to do a great job if we asked him back.” Donald went on to talk about Alex’s strengths, including his communication skills, as well as his talent for being able to trim down a longer video into the most important bits.

So far, Alex has been working on a project called Michigan Storytellers for Change, which involves “editing interviews to help disabled people in Michigan advocate for themselves and their community,” said Alex. “I felt very appreciated at TASH, and I am so grateful they brought me back on to help them with the Michigan Storytellers for Change project.” This project will most likely be expanded to interviewing people in California. Alex will assist with editing these interviews as well.

In between editing videos for TASH, Alex is planning on taking classes this upcoming spring semester at Montgomery College. Alex, keep up the good work!!

Upcoming Virtual Information Session:

Friday, January 7th | 12:00 – 1:00pm EST

Interested in learning more about our Winter 2022 Strengths Program or our Summer 2022 Internship Program? Join us for an information session to answer any questions you have. Please RSVP to [email protected] in order to receive the Zoom link.

Secure your spot in our Virtual Winter Strengths Program!

Innovative & interactive curriculum for alternative learners

focusing on college and career readiness:

Program participants complete the program with the tools, strategies and communication skills for navigating remote learning and the virtual workspace.
Participants also learn how to search for jobs, network, and interview.
Participants leave the program with a resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.
Most importantly, program participants learn how to effectively disclose their disability or learning style and ask for supports needed to be successful in school and in the workplace.

All curriculum is delivered in an interactive and innovative format that implements strategies for neurodiverse learners with the integration of the arts, collaborative projects and the inclusion of mindfulness and yoga techniques.

Curriculum Overview: