What do you want to be when you grow up?
When asked this question, “Alone on my parent’s couch” is not a likely answer. Yet that is the reality for most adults with disabilities facing an over 80% unemployment rate. At age 26 students age out of school-based transition programs and are left to pursue employment opportunities that simply do not exist.
Mi Work Matters (pronounced My Work Matters!) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to increase employment opportunities for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
We do this through grassroots advocacy and directly employing people with I/DD at our award winning, inclusive employment program – Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop & Cafe. Our Employment Ambassadors are a diverse group of self-advocates that present to business leaders on the merits of hiring someone with I/DD. This resulted in our first partnership with an employer to successfully hire someone with an intellectual disability.
Good & Strong
Eric, an employee in our supported employment program at Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop & Cafe, brews up some Good & Strong coffee.
Everyone's Future Matters.
Mi Work Matters (pronounced My Work Matters) is a nonprofit on a mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
Our Mission - Acceptance and Opportunity for ALL!
Competitive, INclusive Employment.
The beautiful hopes and dreams of childhood are often the tender starts of future careers and callings. For most of us. For people with developmental disabilities, opportunities are few and far too limited.
At Mi Work Matters, we believe the hopes, dreams and talents of every person matter. People with different abilities are infinitely worthy of meaningful work and more than capable of contributing to their community.
Employment Numbers.
81% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed In Michigan, compared to 9% of individuals without disabilities.
Mi Work Matters is working to change this!
Today we are gratefully working to brighten the employment horizon.
According to an Employment First in Michigan report released by Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council in 2019, 81% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed in Michigan, compared to 9% of individuals without disabilities.
Employment figures based on data prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment First in Michigan report released by Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council in 2019
In addition to a lack of job opportunities, there is also a pay disparity between individuals with disabilities and those without. Those with disabilities are more likely to make below minimum wage. In 2019, more than 5,000 workers with disabilities in Michigan earned about $3.61 an hour through a waiver to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
We can do better here in Michigan!
Who are we?
Mi Work Matters, (pronounced My Work Matters!) is a small 501(c)(3) Michigan non-profit organization founded in 2018. We believe employment is a pathway to independence, dignity and community inclusion. We believe in the unique significance and unlimited potential of every person. Everyone Matters. Everyone’s Dreams Matter!
Our organization was started by a group of families, caregivers and advocates of people with developmental disabilities. Our work is funded through donations and grants. We are not affiliated with any federal or state entities.
Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop & Cafe
WE ARE GOOD AND STRONG!
More than just a great cup of coffee!
The coffee shop is Mi Work Matters’ first employment program. It was opened in December of 2019 to create a place where people with disabilities can work in an inclusive and supportive environment. Employees with and without disabilities receive training, onsite supports and a paycheck, while giving back to the community. We have a vision for the shop to serve as a spring board for people with developmental disabilities to enter the workforce. Through the coffee shop and our current Employment Ambassadors advocacy program we are starting the conversation about what it might look like for businesses to hire somebody with a disability.
Employment Ambassador Program
These four amazing young adults have previous work experience and have been earning money giving presentations to area businesses on the advantages of hiring people with Down syndrome. Mi Work Matters worked with the ambassadors to create a presentation and provided training in the area of public speaking. The launch of this program has been made possible through a Self Advocate Employment Initiative Grant from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Read more