By Tracy Churchman | Area Director
Following Tysen’s high school graduation in 2021, he landed his first big job as a barista at a local coffee shop—a milestone he had worked toward for years through both general and special education classes. Tysen was proud and excited, loving every moment of going to work…until he didn’t.
What unfolded was the very scenario his parents had feared: a nightmare in real life. As a young man with a disability and limited communication skills, Tysen was vulnerable—and his employer took advantage of that.
Tysen’s boss failed to pay him an equitable wage like his colleagues and, most shockingly, withheld his pay for nearly a year. Worse, the boss exploited Tysen’s disability to attract customers, parading him around like a mascot rather than treating him as a valued employee. He refused to teach Tysen new skills, leaving him bored and unchallenged. Eventually, Tysen had enough. In a quiet act of protest, he sat down in the middle of the shop and waited for his parents to pick him up. That was his last day on the job. Thankfully, after intervention, Tysen was eventually paid what he was owed.
Fast forward three years: Tysen was ready to re-enter the workforce, this time with stronger job skills and a competitive résumé, thanks to Frisco ISD’s post-graduate program and the Employment Consultants at Best Buddies.
The Best Buddies Jobs Program addresses a critical need: nationally, 83% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities do not have paid jobs in their communities. In Texas, the program currently serves 62 participants, with 43 successfully placed employees - proof that with the right support, meaningful employment is achievable.
The first job that Tysen started through the Best Buddies Jobs program was at Bollore, a world leader in providing specialized supply chain, warehousing, and transport for high-value goods like perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, and jewelry for major brands (like LVMH, L'Oréal) globally. While the core group focuses on films, energy (Blue Solutions), and systems, their logistics arm is the key luxury player, offering tailored solutions to manage complex global distribution for luxury companies.
Tysen was SO excited because he got to work with robots in the warehouse! He was responsible for sending the bots off to get products from the shelves. When they returned, he removed the product and placed it in an area to be packaged and shipped to the customer.
However, Tysen and his job coach eventually realized how much Tysen enjoys being with people. So, they looked for a new opportunity.
On his 22nd birthday, Tysen started his new job at Summer Moon Coffee in Frisco, and he has loved every moment since.
His boss, Brandon, exemplifies what Best Buddies Employment Consultants hope for in an employer. Brandon understands that while Tysen is gaining new skills and thriving at Summer Moon Coffee, the shop itself is better because of Tysen. Since hiring Tysen in 2024, Brandon has also hired another employee with a visual impairment, fostering an inclusive workplace.
The owner of Summer Moon Coffee often shares with Tysen’s parents how much joy and compassion Tysen brings to the team—and even to customers. Many have become weekly regulars just to say hello to Tysen, which has boosted shop growth and created a welcoming environment for all.
By Kaeli Magill | Manager Stewardship and Communication
By Linda Kordek Milton | Best Buddies State Director, Texas
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