866-287-2036
NEW PROGRAMS JOIN THE ATS FAMILY!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Catherine Hughes
412-913-7417
chughes@achievingtrueself.com
ACHIEVING TRUE SELF AND PROGRESS CITY JOINING FORCES TO MAXIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEURODIVERGENT JOB SEEKERS
MONROEVILLE, PA: 9/17/24
Achieving True Self (ATS), an organization supporting hundreds of individuals and families with autism and/or intellectual disabilities through multiple programs in the Northeastern U.S., is synergizing efforts with Progress City, a team of consultants who work with individuals on the autism spectrum by providing innovative solutions to workplace challenges, offering true integration of the diversely-abled into the community, and its affiliates.
ATS, a well-established existing provider of intellectual disability, autism, and behavioral health services across Pennsylvania offers a variety of employment and vocational supports funded by waivers (such as the PA Adult Autism Waiver, and others through the Office of Developmental Programs), and boasts a 100% placement rate for its job seekers in Westmoreland County. Additionally, ATS will be providing vocational services through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and other grant funded programs.
Progress City’s programs have included home and community based services serving participants across Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, and various pilot projects with corporate partners. Expanding on the work of Progress City, the Autism Employment Network was formed in 2021 as a nonprofit organization focused on creative employment solutions for neurodivergent individuals. SpectroDolce Confectionery is an example solution, designed to be a work experience center and intermediate step towards competitive, integrated employment. ATS plans to bring more SpectroDolce locations into other areas to create more job opportunities for autistic individuals.
Together, ATS and its new team members will synergize their collective expertise and develop more opportunities for meaningful, gainful employment for neurodivergent individuals in Western Pennsylvania -- and someday, beyond.
“Bringing Progress City, its affiliates, and strategic partners into Achieving True Self is an incredible opportunity to bring together the expertise, innovative vision, and passion that exist across our organizations. It is clear that our mission, vision, values, and beliefs align and that our combined efforts will continue to change the world by helping each person whose life we touch achieve their truest self. - Rick J. Murray, LSW, LBA, BCBA, President/CEO and Founder, Achieving True Self
"The innovative minds behind Progress City, Autism Employment Network, and Spectrodolce have always been committed to creative solutions for home, community, and employment services for neurodivergent individuals. We are pleased to partner with Achieving True Self to expand our offerings. ATS's commitment to consumers, team members, and the community is in perfect alignment with our mission. We believe that this partnership will create a stronger community and better inclusion for all." - Bryan Kiger, CEO, Progress City, & President, Autism Employment Network.
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About Achieving True Self
Founded in 2016 and serving Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, Achieving True Self is passionately cultivating and inspiring growth through the delivery of evidence-based treatment to assist individuals, families, organizations, and their surrounding communities to achieve their self-defined goals. Through a supportive organizational culture focused on developing and retaining team members, they are determined to change the world by instilling hope and helping each person whose life they touch achieve their truest self.
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About Progress City
Progress City was founded in 2018 to provide creative solutions in the talent and culture space. In 2019, Progress City began providing services specifically to help reduce the nearly 90% unemployment & underemployment rate for adults on the autism spectrum. Their mission has been to provide pathways to independence and social inclusion through employment and professional coaching. Progress City has three core beliefs: Autism is non-linear, dynamic, and unique to the individual; individuals with autism are not intrinsically less than anyone else; acceptance and inclusion open the doors to empowerment and independence.
