Letter from the CEO: A New Year of Opportunity and Impact

As we step into a new year, we have been taking time to reflect on the incredible momentum we built together in 2025 and the doors it has opened for what comes next. Each milestone we reached last year was possible because of the unwavering support of our partners, donors, participants, and the broader community that believes in a world with meaningful employment opportunities for autistic young adults.

Looking back, 2025 was truly a year defined by growth, connection, and measurable impact. We proudly served 142 participants, each one taking important steps toward paid employment, increased independence, and long-term career success. To support this growth, we expanded our employer network to 19 partner companies, all committed to creating inclusive workplaces and recognizing the incredible talent autistic young adults bring to the workforce.

First and foremost, we want to recognize and celebrate the autistic young adults who participate in Spectrum Works programs. Their determination and willingness to work hard are what drive our mission forward every day. Our participants show up eager to learn, grow, and take on new challenges, and in doing so, they continue to break down barriers and shift perceptions about what is possible in the workplace. Their achievements are a powerful reminder that with the right support and opportunity, autistic young adults can and do thrive in meaningful employment.

At the heart of everything we do is also our exceptional team of Job Coaches and Program Managers. They are truly a dream team and are the ones working directly with participants every day, providing guidance, encouragement, and real-world support that makes employment sustainable and successful. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion bring our mission to life, and we are deeply grateful for all they do to make Spectrum Works thrive.

Our impact extended beyond the workplace through several standout community and partner company events that helped raise awareness and celebrate acceptance. Highlights from the year included the MTS Bike Tour, American Dream Autism Acceptance Day, and an IKEA Autism Acceptance Month event, where in-store banners helped educate customers and spark meaningful conversations about inclusion. We were also chosen as the nonprofit partner for a local Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day, and collaborated with several other partner companies for on-site events that created opportunities for education, connection, and visibility. Together, these moments amplified our mission and showed what is possible when businesses and communities come together with intention. 

We are also thankful to the organizations that invested in our work through grant support, including Citizens, PSE&G, TD Bank, Bank of America, and Columbia Bank. Their generosity helped us expand programming, strengthen services, and reach more participants than ever before.

Another milestone we are especially proud of is the launch of our Partner Company Satisfaction Feedback Survey in 2025. We were thrilled to report 100 percent partner satisfaction, reinforcing the strength of our partnerships and the value of the support we provide to both employers and participants.

What excites us most about the year ahead is the opportunity to build on this strong foundation. In 2026, we are focused on expanding our reach and making more connections with businesses, educators, and community groups across New Jersey and beyond. When more people understand the value, perspective, and capability autistic young adults bring to the workforce, the entire community benefits. 

We remain committed to growing the support systems that make employment successful and sustainable. This includes refining our job-readiness curriculum, supporting partner companies with tools to create inclusive environments, and empowering participants as they take meaningful steps toward independence and long-term careers.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped make 2025 such a remarkable year for Spectrum Works. Your belief in our mission fuels everything we do, and together we are opening doors to workplaces that truly reflect the diversity of our communities.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a year of new connections, new collaborations, and new opportunities for the talented young adults we are proud to work with.