$5,562 raised by 41 donors
56% complete
$10,000 Goal
Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms2024 DIRT Intern
DIRT (Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms) is on a mission to cultivate intentional workspaces for the neurodivergent population to gain meaningful, integrated, and equitable employment.
DIRT started as a mobile coffee truck in 2013 and now has two brick-and-mortar programming sites across the Denver Metro area that employ, train, and empower neurodivergent individuals. Our vision is to reduce underemployment in the neurodivergent community by empowering individuals and transforming hiring practices.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, just 31.4% of adults ages 16 to 64 with a disability are currently employed compared to 72.5% of adults the same age sans a disability. Since its inception, DIRT’s work has evolved from working solely with neurodivergent individuals in building transferable job skills to working cross-culturally and systematically with neurodivergent individuals, employers, and communities alike to diminish the inequitable employment rate.
Why DIRT?
Your donation has the power to open doors — providing neurodivergent individuals with the resources they need to secure fulfilling, stable employment. By supporting DIRT, you're directly investing in the success and independence of underserved communities. Together, we can make employment more accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all.
Every gift makes a difference. Whether it’s funding training programs, expanding job opportunities, buying workshop dinners, or shaping inclusive hiring practices, your contribution helps create a more equitable future for neurodivergent individuals.
Donate today, and become a catalyst for change. Your generosity will help transform lives, uplift communities, and break down the barriers to employment faced by neurodivergent individuals.
Three High-Quality Evidence-Based Programs
Unlocking the potential of neurodivergent inclusion with our four high-quality, evidence-based programs tailored for both employees and employers. These programs empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive in the workplace while providing employers with the tools and knowledge to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
11 Years Serving the Communities
For the past ten years, DIRT (Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms) has been dedicated to serving the community and transforming workspaces for the neurodivergent population. Starting as a mobile coffee truck in 2013, DIRT has grown to encompass two brick-and-mortar locations in Littleton and Denver.
Breaking Barriers, Building Careers
In 2024, over 1200 people have been positively impacted by DIRT’s programming: internships, workshops, job development, workforce employers, and DIRT on the Road.
Summer Intern 2021: "A lot of the learning comes on the job. I took the first step, which is starting the internship. The most important thing I learned, if you are scared to try something like this - you should do it anyway. It will be worth it! I’d tell them that they should just go for it! I was a little bit worried that the coaching would be for people more impacted, but it still helped me. Don’t be afraid to say things and advocate for yourself!"
"...Jake's self confidence has skyrocketed since beginning the internship. He was on cloud 9 last night after completing the food handling training. He even let me take him out to dinner. Jake doesn't leave the house much so it was awesome that he went because he wanted to not as a compromise. Thank you all so much for helping him see himself as a capable employee. It's definitely spilling over into his daily life in a positive way." - Parent of IEP Graduate
"You know when you get that feeling that the place you're at is right for you, like you're right where you want to be? That's how I feel about DIRT. When I'm here it just feels right for me. I get an experience but I also get to be myself." - Austin Program Graduate and Dirt employee
DIRT Staff and Interns working DIRT Coffee Truck
DIRT's mission is to cultivate intentional workspaces for the neurodivergent population to gain meaningful, integrated, and equitable employment.
Our staff and interns have the opportunity to work in a neurodiverse, integrated and welcoming environment. We strive to build an environment for staff, interns, customers, and our community to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance by role-modeling inclusive employment and business practices with the hope that this example, along with our programming, will inspire other organizations to do the same. Our team is neurodiverse, socially and environmentally conscious, and craft a mighty good cup of coffee.
DIRT originated from parents of autistic daughters as a grassroots effort, focusing on securing employment and independence for their children. It transformed from a mobile coffee truck advocating in the community to a professionally recognized organization in Colorado. Now offering three high-quality programs aimed at reducing the employment disparity for disabled and neurodivergent individuals, DIRT operates from two physical locations in addition to the truck. Our programming delivers vocational training for both potential employees and employers and is dedicated to fostering equitable job opportunities while challenging Ableism
Organization name
Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms
other names
DIRT, Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms, Roots Colorado, Roots Colorado Inc.., Pinyon Ranch, Inc.
2013
Tax id (EIN)
26-2898336
Category
Human Services, Employment, Community Improvement & Capacity Building
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
5767 S. Rapp StArapahoe County, CO, US
Adams County, CO, US
Denver, CO, US
Douglas County, CO, US
Jefferson County, CO, US