Future. Prospect. Hope. Chance.
What do these words have in common? They’re synonyms for possibility, as in My Possibilities, which is a local non-profit North Texans rely on. My Possibilities provides vocational education and job placements for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), which may include Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and many more diagnoses.
For anyone unaware of My Possibilities, this enterprise is a gold mine of opportunity that needs to be on your radar, both as a user resource and a financial support recipient.
According to My Possibilities’ website:
• 250,000 North Texas residents have an intellectual and/or developmental disability
• 8% with IDD are employed
• 52% of adults with cognitive disabilities leave high school without a diploma
• 62% of parents of adults with disabilities don’t have a future plan.
My Possibilities’ participants are known as Hugely Important People (HIPsters), and there’s a reason for that. HIPsters access career services and elective classes on many topics, such as performing and visual arts, wellness and culinary arts, in addition to social skills, communication and independent living skills development — well-rounded experiences enabling HIPsters to achieve their highest potential.
Speaking on behalf of My Possibilities — and its personal impact — is HIPster Cathi K.
Cathi is a long-timer here, having discovered the resource through a mom’s recommendation. She is employed two days a week by Soap Hope, which sells organic products such as candles, lotions and soap for body, beauty and home.
Cathi says her responsibilities are numerous, including preparing shipments, holiday and all-year gift baskets, and filling and labeling hand sanitizers, to mention a few duties.
“I helped plan Soap Hope’s first birthday party in June,” she says.
When not at Soap Hope, she takes classes at My Possibilities in leadership and library.
“My favorite thing to do at My Possibilities is the mobile café, taking coffee, salads, soups and scones to teachers for purchase,” she says.
Cathi, who likes watching movies, shopping and hanging with friends, asks for employers to please help others like her get a job.
“Check out My Possibilities, visit the property and bring others along to become familiarwith what My Possibilities does,” she says.
Cathi’s dream job? “Working right where I am now at Soap Hope.”
Administrators with My Possibilities say the career services programs provided are one of a kind.
“Our HIPsters are loyal and dedicated employees,” says Adrienne Mageors, associate director of marketing. “When you hire a HIPster, you are providing meaningful employment opportunities for very deserving individuals who are often overlooked.”
Explore My Possibilities at mypossibilities.org, discover the endless opportunities and discover how you can help productive people like Cathi.
My Possibilities3601 Mapleshade Lane
Plano, Texas 75075
469-241-9100
The above content is sponsored.
Cathi is our daughter and we are so proud of her and her accomplishments. Thank you for bringing this wonderful program to others out there who may benefit from this information. They do a tremendous job at MP and we are so grateful for the help they have given us.