Project Title: Development of Social Business for Autistic Youth
Implementation Period: 2025
Funding Source:
Measure 2.1.1.1 „Strengthening Community Activities in Municipalities“ (Pilot Model) of the 2023–2025 Action Plan for Strengthening Non-Governmental Organizations and Community Activities
Project Goal:
To increase the employment and work skills of autistic youth and to strengthen community connections as a foundation for launching a social business.
Problem Statement:
Autistic youth face significant barriers to employment and lack safe, adapted environments to develop practical work skills. In addition, their social lives are often limited due to a lack of understanding and isolation. There is a need to create opportunities for engagement and empowerment that focus on practical preparation and strong community ties.
Activities:
Food Preparation and Customer Service Training:
Fifteen 3-hour practical sessions focused on work skill development, fostering independence, and preparing for involvement in social business.Yoga and Nature Therapy:
Fifteen 1-hour sessions aimed at promoting physical and emotional well-being, while also strengthening connections with nearby communities.Participation in Community Events:
Autistic youth, accompanied by mentors, will take part in 3 community events in Panevėžys city and district to present their activities and form new friendships.
Expected Results:
For the Target Group:
Participants will gain practical job skills, improve communication, experience success, and build self-confidence.For the Organization:
Strategic activities will be implemented to lay the foundation for a future social business called „The Happy Kitchen“.For Communities:
Free yoga sessions, opportunities to better understand neurodiversity, and the creation of new partnerships for future collaboration.
Sustainability:
The project will serve as a basis for developing „The Happy Kitchen“ social business idea, which is expected to become a self-sustaining model offering practice opportunities for autistic youth and helping them acquire work skills from early adolescence.
Project Budget: € 7,000
