Popcorn For the People Combating Unemployment of Autistic Adults
Unemployment rates for Autistic adults is at a staggering 80-90% nationwide! That number is ridiculous, but thankfully there is an amazing nonprofit that is working to combat unemployment of autistic adults. That organization is Popcorn For The People!
Popcorn For The People
In order to combat unemployment of autistic adults, Popcorn for the People train and hire workers with autism to cook, package and sell gourmet popcorn. These include amazing flavors such as Cookies n’ Cream, Chocolate Espresso, French Toast, and much more!
Popcorn for the People is a non profit organization. All profits go toward employing more workers with Autism, enabling them to sustain themselves in society.
Times have been changing, and there is much awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Now it’s time to move to Acceptance and Support. That’s where companies like Popcorn for the People come in!
Popcorn for the People – The Story
Popcorn for the People was created all because of one young man’s (Sam) desire to work. Check out the story behind Popcorn for the People:
Sam is a high functioning 24 year old with autism. He wants to travel, have fun and work like everyone else. “You may not want to work” he often says “but you have to work.” Armed knowing that the unemployment rate is 80-90% in the autistic population, we asked ourselves: where can a bright, energetic young man who views the world a little differently find work, fulfillment and happiness?
Just when we were beginning to think the options were grim we spotted Sam gleefully tossing popcorn into his mouth while laughing at Monty Python. We decided to combine America’s favorite snack food with Sam’s passion and unique world view to create popcorn with a difference. We invited other workers with disabilities to join the popcorn revolution.
Popcorn for The People, https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/pages/our-mission
This hits home for us!
I have personally watched my younger brother struggle with employment. Jobs are limited to even apply for, and gaining employment is even harder. His struggle is a repeat story of so many young autistic adults. In fact, it is reported that 35 percent of young autistic adults have never had a job at all.
If that number isn’t staggering enough, the Bureau of Labor Statistics report will leave you in shock. Only approximately 19 percent of adults with disabilities in the USA are even employed! Yikes!
Though I have been blessed as an autistic adult to have my own businesses, that’s not the case for so many people! I worry greatly about my own autistic children when it comes time for them to enter the work force.
Popcorn for the People Making an Impact
I am so very thankful for Popcorn for the People. They are making a huge impact in their community and starting a wave of impact nationwide. I pray that by time my own children begin the search for employment, there will be even more companies like Popcorn for the People.
One way to guarantee that Popcorn for the People will be there for future autistic adults is by supporting them. The easier way you can do that is go and buy some popcorn! They also accept straight donations as well.
Popcorn is the perfect gift for friends and families over the holiday season. So why not get them some of the best popcorn on the market and introduice them to an amazing organization!
How to get your Popcorn for the People
To order your Popcorn for The People Gourmet Popcorn, just head straight over to www.popcornforthepeople.com Make sure to also follow them on their social channels: Facebook and Instagram!