[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 168 (Tuesday, October 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1083-E1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING DIRT COFFEE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2022

  Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize DIRT Coffee in 
Littleton, Colorado for creating an inclusive work environment for 
neurodiverse Coloradans and those with Intellectual and Developmental 
Disabilities (IDDs).
  DIRT, which stands for Divergent, Inclusive, Representation, 
Transform, is committed to disability justice and transforming hiring 
practices to include more equitable opportunities in the workplace for 
neurodivergent individuals. Currently, DIRT Coffee works to hire, 
train, and empower neurodivergent individuals through their Inclusive 
Workforce Employer Program.
  After recognizing that neurodivergent people are underrepresented in 
the workforce and lack equitable opportunities for an integrated 
workforce experience, DIRT launched their coffee truck in 2013 to 
target the hearts and minds of the community. They quickly became a 
leader in providing inclusive employment opportunities for 
neurodivergent Coloradans, and in 2018, DIRT opened its first location 
in Littleton--providing internships and long-term employment for 
neurodivergent individuals.
  In 2021, DIRT provided more than 1,000 hours of job training to over 
30 neurodivergent

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individuals, bringing the total people helped to over 140 across the 
community. DIRT doesn't stop there, they have also provided more than 
$50,000 in scholarships to families who need it the most. In 2022, DIRT 
opened its second location in Denver to try to expand its reach and 
community impact.
  DIRT Coffee aims to create a more equitable and inclusive workforce. 
It goes without saying that they've had not only a tremendous impact on 
the lives of neurodivergent individuals who they have employed, but 
also our community as a whole. DIRT works tirelessly to cultivate a 
culture of acceptance, and I am proud to recognize and thank them for 
being an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________