fundraiser
Mariann's BDOG Fundraiser
$526 Raised
Meristem is a day and independent living skills program that develops practical life skills, social capacities, and transition to work for young adults aged 18-29 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders that can cause developmental problems in the areas of social interaction, speech, language, communication, and behavioral functions. ASD is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. In California alone, the incidence of ASD has increased 12-fold in the past two decades, with the ASD population increasing by an average of 12% per year. It is estimated that there will be a 300% increase in the number of young adults with ASD needing vocational training services by 2020, with continued increases thereafter as these young adults continue to "age out" of the education system.
The Journal of American Academy and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry estimated that 90% of young adults with autism were unemployed or underemployed. The report noted that, compared to other young adults with disabilities, people with autism are often unemployed until late in their twenties and have the lowest rates of employment at just 58%. Even when employed, a young adult with autism has an average pay of only $8.00 an hour.
The growing demand for programs here in the United States that focus on young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental differences has reached a critical level. In response to this critical need, Meristem opened the Sacramento campus in 2014 on a 13-acre site in Fair Oaks. Our model originates from the Ruskin Mill Trust that has decades of experience developing and scaling curriculum and programs for young adults with ASD throughout England, helping thousands of students develop independent living skills, establish friendships and participate in meaningful work experience in inclusive communities. This proven method allows students to gain a positive view of themselves, which translates to the ability to contribute more fully to society and transition to work or higher education.
Meristem's mission is to prepare young adults on the autism spectrum to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. Our vision is a world where the unique capabilities of adults on the spectrum are respected and appreciated.
We provide this foundation by optimizing the capacity for our students, allowing them to realize their full potential. Our program targets young adults from 18-30 years of age with Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), promoting independence by developing life skills, social capacities, and transition to work. Because of the significant increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with ASD, there is a growing need for programs that provide these individuals with the knowledge and tools to enable them to fully engage in their communities, advocate on their own behalf and experience well-rounded success, while at the same time facilitating Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and access to higher education.
The program begins with the fundamentals, such as cultivating a sense of responsibility around time and learning to select appropriate attire. Our students learn resiliency, consistency and other attributes needed to self-manage. They develop social skills through active listening, following directions and working with others. In focused workshops, students learn the finer points of resume writing, researching work opportunities and practicing interviewing technique. Finally, our students undergo specific skill training, either in the classroom or in one of the social enterprises. Students are also supported in working part-time off-campus with businesses and nonprofits.
Meristem's mission is to prepare young adults who are on the autism spectrum/neurodiverse to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. Our vision is a world where the unique capabilities of adults on the spectrum are respected and appreciated so that they can lead full and meaningful lives, with ample opportunities for mainstream employment and independent living.
Student Scholarships
General Operating Funds
Curriculum Expansion
Workforce Development/Employment Partnerships
Donor Advised Fund Donations
Volunteer Participation
Student Scholarship Overview:
Meristem is a high touch program that is individually tailored to each student. While there is some government funding available to a percentage of our students, there remains a significant funding gap that needs to be filled.
To ensure diversity, equity and inclusion on our campus there is a student scholarship need to help cover the funding gap. Increasing our ability to provide tuition assistance gives students from underserved families the ability to attend our multi-year program.
We are always looking for ways that will help to offset the student tuition funding shortfall so that we can continue to grow and diversify our campus and the students we serve through our program.
General Operating Funds:
Currently in California there are no established career pathways and few vocational training programs to address employment barriers for those with ASD. Traditional apprenticeship, workforce training and internship programs do not meet the specialized needs of those with ASD. Their fixed structure and limited understanding of the nature of the disability make even moderately effective outcomes elusive. In order to bridge this gap, Meristem has taken the lead in creating an innovative and effective vision for vocational training utilizing a program that consists of part-time classroom curriculum and part-time work experiences.
Curriculum Expansion:
We are now working to expand our current curriculum to accommodate a larger student population, enhance our existing vocational and work skills training programs and grow our outreach efforts so that we can place more students in community internships and further support our students' entry into the workforce. This funding would assist us in the expansion of our work experience program by:
* Broadening the offerings of the Meristem work skills program
* Expanding outreach efforts and community partnerships so that we can offer more internship and job placements
* Create and expand our innovative training pilot program designed to be a mechanism that provides employers with proper education, outreach, and training so that they can take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain individuals with ASD.
Expanding the Meristem program allows us to incorporate more students and offer a wider variety of hands-on learning experiences while students prepare to enter the workforce or continue on to higher education, this in turn helps us create sustaining pathways to employment for individuals with ASD.
Workforce Development and Employment Partners:
At this very moment, tens of thousands of young Californians with autism are unemployed. These young people are bright, capable, and willing to work, but it's difficult for them to connect with employers who know how to find, onboard, and retain them. Our Breaking Barriers to Employment (TAP) program was designed to do just that. This program helps California employers successfully hire and work with people with autism and helps them become the valuable employees they have the potential to be. The program consists of in-person and online training, employee pipeline creation for these employers and employment placement assistance. Please contact tapinfo@meristem.pro if you are an employer and are interested in learning more about this inclusive hiring training program.
To learn more about Meristem, please contact info@meristem.pro.
Meristem is committed to fostering a diverse workforce, and maintaining a workplace that is equitable, inclusive, and safe for all employees. From recruiting practices, to pay and benefits, promotions, and all other aspects of employment with us, an environment of equity is of the utmost importance.
We not only recognize that you, our employees, comprise a wide range of backgrounds and characteristics, but we believe those differences should be celebrated and valued. Whether it's race, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, color, language, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/characteristics, veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic, these are parts of each of you that contribute to your experiences as humans, and ultimately to the knowledge and expertise that make you a valuable asset to the Company.
Meristem is committed and determined that there is access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals. We are always looking for ways in which we can cultivate an inclusive work environment, strengthen our cultural competency, and train our managers and employees to provide opportunities for growth and development.
It is our intention that all our employees, regardless of any particular background or characteristic, are always treated with respect and dignity. Likewise, we expect that as our employees, you treat your coworkers, Managers and other team members with the same dignity and respect at all times.
Disrespect, inappropriate behavior or conduct toward others will not be tolerated and may subject an employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Organization name
Meristem
Tax id (EIN)
47-1411177
Mission Category
Youth Development
Operating Budget
$500,001-$1 million
Organization Need
Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted, Board Members, Volunteers
Demographics Served
Individuals with disabilities
Local Counties Served
El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
9200 Fair Oaks Blvd.Sacramento, CA, US
Placer, CA, US
Los Angeles, CA, US
San Francisco, CA, US
Roseville, CA, US