More than meets the eye.

Since 2017, the Little Engine has provided high-quality food, such as humanely-raised meats and vegan options, to area residents and tourists. As a 501(c)(3) social enterprise of Achieve, Inc., the Little Engine provides paid work experience and job training for neurodivergent people in Chaffee County and surrounding communities, enabling them to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. Neurodivergent refers to autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD and similar learning disabilities.

Why we do it.

Rural Colorado suffers from a severe lack of job opportunities, training, and programming for neurodivergent young adults with learning disabilities such as autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD, and nonverbal learning disability. It is extremely difficult for this population to gain experience and meaningful employment that will allow them to live independently.

Then what?

Working at the food trailer provides this underserved population with paid employment; they learn business skills such as handling money, customer service, and social skills. Earning a wage gives them confidence and incentive to continue to develop skills that will make them more likely to successfully maintain long-term employment. Learn More

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