"When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment
in which it grows, not the flower." ―Alexander den Heijer
in which it grows, not the flower." ―Alexander den Heijer
Our fundamental belief is that exceptional individuals
make the world a better place when given the chance.
The Extended Family (TEF) is re-imagining the way in which adults with autism
and other developmental disabilities lead productive lives by creating micro-businesses
where all individuals can thrive and be successful within the right environment.
The Extended Family creates stimulating opportunities for exceptional adults through
a new paradigm we call Meaningful Engagement (ME), a non-traditional work experience in which
we meet people where they are in order to foster their unique abilities and find their place in the world.
TEF currently offers skills classes in Pleasantville and Mahopac, NY,
open to anyone who desires to learn more about creating and
participating in micro-businesses, regardless of ability.
Contact us for details.
make the world a better place when given the chance.
The Extended Family (TEF) is re-imagining the way in which adults with autism
and other developmental disabilities lead productive lives by creating micro-businesses
where all individuals can thrive and be successful within the right environment.
The Extended Family creates stimulating opportunities for exceptional adults through
a new paradigm we call Meaningful Engagement (ME), a non-traditional work experience in which
we meet people where they are in order to foster their unique abilities and find their place in the world.
TEF currently offers skills classes in Pleasantville and Mahopac, NY,
open to anyone who desires to learn more about creating and
participating in micro-businesses, regardless of ability.
Contact us for details.
"When I first started working on A Dream In Every Bean at TEF, I was hesitant, but now I am comfortable.
I was desperately lonely, but now I am much nearer my best self with this noble effort.
This productive work helps me develop a real mastery of myself.
I am part of a happy team in action, in a peaceful, hopeful place." -Sean, TEF Intern
I was desperately lonely, but now I am much nearer my best self with this noble effort.
This productive work helps me develop a real mastery of myself.
I am part of a happy team in action, in a peaceful, hopeful place." -Sean, TEF Intern
TEF engages exceptional adults who rely on qualified support by providing a sanctuary
for learning skills, community integration, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging where personal interests, passions, and unrecognized intellectual abilities are revealed.
Interns actively engage in ideation, decision making, and problem solving to create and develop micro-business enterprises. All interns are included in every aspect of the business. An adaptive work plan is created for each individual ensuring the full participation of everyone.
At the heart of ME is an environment of inclusion, collaboration and teamwork within a
no-pressure, non-hierarchical structure, resulting in a keen sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride.
And most of all, we have FUN!
***
The Extended Family is run entirely on donations from individuals and private foundations, along with proceeds from product sales. We do not receive any government funding and have no paid employees,
just enthusiastic volunteers.
TEF currently offers skills classes in Pleasantville and Mahopac, NY,
open to anyone who desires to learn more about creating and
participating in micro-businesses, regardless of ability.
Contact us for details.
for learning skills, community integration, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging where personal interests, passions, and unrecognized intellectual abilities are revealed.
Interns actively engage in ideation, decision making, and problem solving to create and develop micro-business enterprises. All interns are included in every aspect of the business. An adaptive work plan is created for each individual ensuring the full participation of everyone.
At the heart of ME is an environment of inclusion, collaboration and teamwork within a
no-pressure, non-hierarchical structure, resulting in a keen sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride.
And most of all, we have FUN!
***
The Extended Family is run entirely on donations from individuals and private foundations, along with proceeds from product sales. We do not receive any government funding and have no paid employees,
just enthusiastic volunteers.
TEF currently offers skills classes in Pleasantville and Mahopac, NY,
open to anyone who desires to learn more about creating and
participating in micro-businesses, regardless of ability.
Contact us for details.
