"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 where personal interests, passions, and unrecognized intellectual abilities are revealed.
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 where personal interests, passions, and unrecognized intellectual abilities are revealed.
"When I first started working on A Dream In Every Bean, 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 skill training, community integration, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. Interns actively engage in ideation, decision making, and problem solving to create and develop micro-business enterprises.We meet any individual’s needs through our innovative adaptive solutions
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.
for skill training, community integration, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. Interns actively engage in ideation, decision making, and problem solving to create and develop micro-business enterprises.We meet any individual’s needs through our innovative adaptive solutions
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.