Our kitchen functions as a diverse, enriched workplace in which all employees contribute to creating our high-quality protein bites. At Fueled by AF, we employ individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, promoting an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. 

Who We Employ

Populations we work with but are not limited to:

• Autism
• Aspergers
• Down Syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Cerebral Palsy

Skills & Tools

In our kitchen, we target specific skills necessary to address instrumental daily activities for our teen and adult employees in an effort to increase their functional independence in the community.

Our protein bites creation process facilitates a variety of opportunities to address fine and gross motor functioning, social skills, communication skills (interpersonal and intrapersonal), cognitive functioning, and sensory functioning. We assist in developing effective schedules and routines as well as provide compensatory techniques to increase functional independence across job tasks. 

Our workplace provides meaningful employment to meet the needs of each individual. One of the ways in which we work to enhance the learning process in our kitchen is through music. Music provides the tools of repetition and memorization to our employees, which helps increase recall. Additionally, music helps increase overall focus, direct attention and provides a relaxing environment to decrease anxiety and stress.  

Integration Opportunities 

Fueled by AF also provides integration opportunities outside of our kitchen in the form of community events (farmers markets, sales events, etc.). At these events, our employees help set up displays, practice money management skills, communicate with customers, operate point of sale systems (POS), and keep track of inventory. We take significant measures to prepare employees for community events in order to ensure that each employee feels confident in their skill set in new environments.

The goal for our employees is they have a place of work where they feel they belong and feel welcomed for who they are. After evaluations, we place individuals in roles where they feel their individual set of skills will shine and improve their overall independence!