By Kaeli Magill | Manager Stewardship and Communication
Jace – Truvant Story
"It's happening, today is my first day at Truvant thanks to the Best Buddies Jobs Program."
On the morning of July 1st, Jace sent this excited message to Best Buddies via social media. For Jace, this was more than just the first day of work; it was the moment when the right support helped open the door to belonging.
When Jace was diagnosed at 26 months old with severe autism, the specialists at the University of Kansas said he wouldn't talk and that he would never be mainstreamed into a classroom, according to his mother, Jill.
Jace's family was determined to prove them wrong. Jill, his number one advocate, has continuously fought for opportunities for her son, and for families like hers. She knows that with advocacy comes change, and that’s exactly what she set out to achieve for Jace.
For the last 10 years, Jace has been involved in Best Buddies participating in multiple programs. "Best Buddies means so much to me because of the opportunities it has provided me,” Jace shares, “I have met so many friends over the years. Friends that I never thought would be possible until I joined Best Buddies."
While he works toward his dream job at Southwest Airlines, Jace spent the last seven years with a previous employer, loving his opportunity to meet and interact with new people every day. That changed when his hours were suddenly cut, without explanation, and reassigned to someone without a disability. This was the turning point. Jill knew it was time to take the next step toward his goal.
They turned to the Best Buddies Jobs Program. Employment Consultant George worked alongside Jace to find the right fit and placed him with Truvant.
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.
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