Spectrum Works, a New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to creating employment opportunities for autistic individuals through innovative job training and corporate partnerships, received a $50,000 grant from Citizens through its Champions in Action program.
Through this award, Spectrum Works will receive promotional and volunteer support to propel its work forward, in addition to the unrestricted funding.
Citizens’ Champions in Action program recognizes and supports nonprofit organizations that are making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. Spectrum Works was selected for its transformative approach to inclusive workforce development, equipping autistic individuals with job skills and connecting them with employers committed to inclusion.
Spectrum Works CEO Ann Marie Sullivan was honored.
“We are thrilled and deeply grateful to be named a Champion in Action by Citizens,” she said. “This grant is a powerful validation of the work we’ve been doing for over a decade to shift the narrative around autism and employment.
Detailing the need
Approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and only approximately 15% of autistic adults are employed. Additionally, due to the scarcity of opportunities in supportive work environments, nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job. Spectrum Works aims to address these challenges by providing job training, employment support, and raising awareness about the valuable contributions autistic individuals can make in the workforce.
If you are interested in learning more about starting an autism employment program at your company, please reach out to annmarie.sullivan@spectrumworks.org.
“Too often, autistic individuals are overlooked when it comes to job opportunities, despite their tremendous potential. This funding will allow us to reach more students, strengthen our training programs, and expand our partnerships with companies that believe in the value of inclusive hiring. With support from Citizens, we can continue to open doors and create meaningful change: one job, one life, and one workplace at a time. It’s a powerful step forward in creating long-term change.”
For more than 20 years, Citizens has recognized and celebrated “Champions in Action” who are dedicated to creating lasting change in local communities, providing over $11 million in funding to over 400 nonprofit organizations.
Matthew Rickert, Northern & Central New Jersey Market Executive for Middle Market Banking at Citizens, said the bank was thrilled to help.
“At Citizens, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in the workforce,” he said. “We’re thrilled to recognize Spectrum Works as a Champion in Action and support their efforts to create a more inclusive and resilient economy in New Jersey through career training, job placement and workplace accessibility.”
Since its founding, Spectrum Works has helped hundreds of autistic individuals develop essential workplace skills, build confidence, and access sustainable careers in industries ranging from retail to manufacturing. Through partnerships with companies like American Dream, IKEA, Old Navy, Walgreens, and Rent the Runway, the organization continues to prove that inclusive hiring is not just good for people – it’s smart business.
