What I love about On The Avenue is the chance to grow in a safe and respectful environment. I spent years letting autism and mental illness prevent me from working or having doing something productive with my time. On The Avenue has accepted me and all the difficulties I have showing up to work and being productive. They gave me a chance to pursue my goals, a platform to express myself, and the ability to earn some money. When anxiety and depression have kept me from showing up I’ve received nothing but understanding and support. At first I could only show up one day out five. Now I’m making it at least four out of every five days. Most other places wouldn’t have given me that chance. Another key thing that keeps me coming back is that I get a chance to pursue projects that I’m passionate about. Without the personal investment and fun I get from making my podcast I’d still be stuck at home.

Hi, My name is John Drawdy. I like working here, packing boxes. I’m also learning how to type and do podcasts. I like my friends here.

I like working On The Avenue because I think it’s been a good fit for me. I also like the work we do for filming and editing videos. I’m good at all of that. However, every morning, some of us have been getting together at On The Avenue to learn more stuff about video production. I think learning is what makes it worthwhile because it’s been helping me work better at my job. It even taught me how to make good plans and progress for work and not just showing up and doing stuff. I’ve been working here for almost 2 years and it’s the most fun work experience I’ve ever had.