Love the Community, Raise Employment Opportunities: Luv Michael

Photo of two Women and a Man on Wheelchair Having a Meeting like an interview.

Work, work, work. We all have to do it. But do you ever consider that you get to work? You get to wake up and go. You get to serve with whatever capabilities, skills, and education you have. Not everyone has that privilege. Or rather than privilege, is it a basic human right? So often our community takes for granted the opportunities to work and contribute and we forget that there are neighbors in our community still searching for their spot. Or worse, being denied their spot. Luv Michael is a Non Profit 501c3 making a positive difference in our world.

Last time I checked the unemployment rate among people with intellectual disabilities is double what the general population faces. Luv Michael is fighting against this statistic by training, educating, and employing adults with autism so they can reach their true potential.

Luv Michael’s program prepares people for the real world of employment. Those who participate in the program experience a bakery work environment and learn to make high quality, organic, granola. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it accessible granola for the masses. What a great opportunity to talk about acceptance and inclusion! The whole grain granola is 100% organic, hand mixed, and packed in small batches with two flavors to choose from: Originola or Mocha. The team of individuals with autism is referred to as “Granologists.” Luv Michael provides living wages and independent life skills so people can either find their spot at the organization or move on to their next, great opportunity. The food-based curriculum covers processes and procedures so that every employee can work efficiently and independently in the kitchen. Not only are they making a quality product, they are gaining experience, confidence, and pride in their work.

Photo of a woman with dark long hair and glasses smiling while cooking and stirring the contents of a pot while she lifts the lid with the other hand. She is a woman with disabilities. Photo purchased from Disabilityimages.com

Who’s hungry?

Luv Michael is confident that once you try the granola, you will be coming back for more. You can find Luv Michael at D’Agostino Supermarkets, Gristedes Neighborhood Grocers, fresh&co, Cafe Metro, and all 10 of Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee locations throughout New York City and 11 Starbucks locations on Long Island. The rest of us can always purchase online https://luvmichael.com/shop/. Don’t forget that all proceeds go to providing training and meaningful employment for people on the Autism Spectrum.

What’s the history?

Michael Kessaris is the company’s name sake. He is a young man with autism and with his two doctor parents, Dr. Lisa Liberatore and Dr. Dimitri Kessaris, they launched Luv Michael in 2015 when he was just 17 years old. Michael’s passion for culinary arts showed that he was destined to work in the kitchen but that still didn’t make finding a job easy. Luv Michael has been the opportunity he needed and is a movement creating meaningful employment options for others. Read more about the founders and their journey at https://luvmichael.com.

What’s next?

Amidst the pandemic, Luv Michael started a virtual student volunteer program. Teenagers boost leadership and communication skills while making huge steps to better our world. They advocate for autism and raise awareness in our communities. Luv Michael is located in New York. However, so far 20,000 volunteers have spanned across 40 countries! The next generation is taking great strives for people with autism everywhere.

Luv Michael recently opened a higher-capacity kitchen and learning center in the Tribeca section of New York City. This growth means big things for the community.

How can we share the Luv?

If you enjoy Luv Michael granola, try asking your neighborhood vendors to stock Luv Michael. Connect with your local grocery, health food stores, and gift shops.

Become a virtual volunteer. You can get community service hours while spreading autism acceptance. This program is not only for high school students but is also great for National Honor Society, Fraternities, Sororities, general Community Service projects, HOSA, and Best Buddies. Sign-up to learn more about this program at https://luvmichael.com/volunteer

Donate to the cause. Donations and purchases help Luv Michael educate and employ more people with autism.

Hopefully with more organizations, neighbors, and opportunities like Luv Michael more people will get to work and share their gifts with the world around them. Everyone has loads of potential and lots to give. As said on Luv Michael’s website “Michael has shown his parents that given the opportunity and the right environment anything is possible.”