A Texas mom is helping empower individuals with disabilities to learn independence and self-sufficiency.
Jan Underwood, owner of Beneventi’s Italian Restaurant in Mingus, Texas, founded The Each & Everyone Foundation in 2010, an organization that creates and supports “vocational training programs for adults with intellectual differences.”
“We bring them in, just like any other employee, and we just train them,” Underwood told “Fox & Friends Weekend,” noting she, too, employs people with special needs at her Italian restaurant.
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The foundation’s website explains it was founded after Underwood’s son, Austin, who was born with Down syndrome, had difficulty finding appropriate training programs.
Like his siblings, Austin finished high school and wanted to attend college, but his parents struggled to find an appropriate program to meet his needs.
After Underwood discovered a course of study in New Mexico, Austin was able to attend to receive a vocational degree, which has served him well. So well, in fact, he now owns his own home and business.
Austin runs Austin’s Underdawgs, a hot dog food truck that supports The Each & Everyone Foundation.
Underwood created the organization to help make others’ journeys a bit easier.
The Each & Everyone Foundation helps people with special needs connect with training and community businesses to help secure “meaningful self-employment.”
The training lasts one to four weeks before the organization helps connect people with jobs in their local communities.
Beyond job training, Underwood also gives each participant a tiny house to live in as they learn career skills and independence.
“Several of the ones that we’ve had come through the program have never been away from the home,” Underwood told Fox.
Austin said he hopes others can find the same independence and joy he has discovered. Find out more about The Each & Everyone Foundation here.
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