Building an Inclusive Community, One Skill at a Time

Founded in Chaffee County in 2017, Achieve grew from a belief that neurodivergent individuals deserve meaningful opportunities to work, connect, and contribute. Through our social enterprises, personalized mentorship, practical workshops, and social and family programming, we help people discover their strengths, build confidence, and gain greater independence. Together, we’re building a rural Colorado community where individuals and families feel valued, supported, and included.

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OUR STORY

Achieve began with a parent’s experience—and a question: What opportunities exist for neurodivergent young people when they’re ready to work and build lives in their own community?

Founded in 2017, Achieve was inspired by the experience of raising a neurodivergent son in Chaffee County and a desire to create more opportunities close to home. What began as a way to build job skills has grown into paid work experiences, individualized mentorship, workshops, and opportunities for individuals and families to connect.

Today, through Little Engine Eatery, Brew & Bloom, and our expanding programs, we’re creating places where people can discover their strengths, gain confidence, form friendships, and make meaningful contributions. Our story continues to grow with the Achievers, families, mentors, and community members who make this work possible.

See how a personal inspiration grew into a community of opportunity, connection, and belonging.

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Our Approach

Everyone brings strengths, interests, and goals of their own. We take time to understand each participant and provide personalized guidance, meaningful experiences, and room to grow.

Start with Strengths

Build on what people do well and what matters to them.

Learn Through Experience

Develop practical skills through real responsibilities, with encouragement and support along the way.

Support Individual Growth

Help each person build confidence and greater independence while recognizing that success looks different for everyone.

Build Community

Create welcoming spaces where participants, families, employers, and neighbors connect—and everyone has opportunities to contribute.

Supporting Families, Building Connection

Parents and caregivers need community, too. Navigating services, employment opportunities, and the transition to adulthood can feel overwhelming—and isolating. We’re developing educational opportunities, helpful resources, and welcoming spaces where families can share experiences, learn from one another, and find support.

Voices of Our Community

“I’ve never felt so ‘held’ in our community before. I could feel the understanding and acceptance in the atmosphere … Our whole family is so grateful to have been able to take part in that day.”

Julie Treat, parent and attendee at Achieve's Day with Dr. Temple Grandin

"I learned [working at the Little Engine] how to push myself to stay focused and get my job done, even when it gets super hard."

Kendra Poplin, program participant (from the Tenderfoot Times)

"I hope to make it clear just how positive of an experience it was for [my son] to work with you. . .. Having the job helped me to see a more mature, more responsible side of my [son]. He gained a newfound confidence that I have not seen in him before.”

Michelle Ortiz, parent

"We have seen the benefit to our students who otherwise would have limited to no access to opportunity to learn job and relational skills."

Lisa Yates, Superintendent, Buena Vista School District

“I really noticed a change in all the program participants throughout the summer. Overall, everything is smoother because they’ve learned how to cooperate and work together.”

Harley Lindsley, mentor

“I met one of Achieve’s program participants who is now working at a restaurant. He told me he wouldn’t have had the confidence to even apply for the job had it not been for Achieve’s program.”

Karen Dils, community member

"The program helped reduce my social anxiety."

Participant

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The People Behind Achieve

Achieve’s work is made possible by our entire team—from our leadership and board to the dedicated mentors, coffee shop associates, and volunteers who support our Achievers every day.

Meet Our Leadership & Board

Programs Built Around People

Discover our programs—from paid work experience and individualized mentorship to emerging job coaching and social and family support—designed to help neurodivergent individuals pursue their goals.

Explore our Programs