John and Carlos started their work-training journey at Yonida Intl. Trading Corp, early this fall. Yonida owners, Gabi and Gigi Aharoni, reached out to Winters Center for Autism and conveyed their desire to partner with the program to support the center’s mission to “Hire for a Higher Purpose.”

Today, we are happy to share that John and Carlos have begun the onboarding process to become paid employees of Yonida, after just a few short months of job training.

Currently the rate of unemployment for adults with autism is 90%. It is with the continued support of caring businesses like Yonida, and the kindness and generosity of our supporters that we can change this statistic. When a supportive business gives us a platform to provide job training then we are a step closer to increasing meaningful and sustainable employment for adults with autism.

When we first introduced this unique work experience opportunity to Melissa and Anna the excitement was one to behold. Both of these gifted and talented young ladies were jubilant when they learned there was a job training opportunity to work with beautiful crystals and beads.

On October 18, 2021, what seems to be two matches made in Heaven, came to fruition as Jack and Alisa Mandel opened their hearts, and their doors, at The Bead Market to Melissa and Anna.
With a task that is equal parts tedious and precise, Melissa and Anna are learning the intricacies of sorting, packaging and labelling elegant, glistening and, at times very tiny, crystals and beads for worldwide distribution.
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What began as a rare work experience opportunity has become a labor of love, as both Melissa and Anna share the same enthusiasm and joy whenever they are together at The Bead Market.
Your support truly makes a lifetime of difference to so many. Thank you again for helping create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.

​“Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you’ve always imagined."
- unknown

Jason began his work experience training with the Winters Center for Autism at Long Island Select Health Care(LISH), in Hauppauge, in September. He was immediately welcomed by the remarkable staff at LISH, and it quickly appeared that he was enjoying his work experience. So much in fact, that he was asked if he wanted to share his feelings with us. Without hesitation he knew what he wanted to say, and how he wanted to say it.
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The Winters Center for Autism welcomes you to listen to Jason as he shares his journey, and his advice to businesses looking to #hireforahigherpurpose.