Our inspiration.

Achieve’s founder was inspired to form the organization (incorporated in 2017) as a result of her own experiences as a mother to a young man with a pronounced learning disability and the void faced by so many young people and families in the rural mountains of south-central Colorado. Studies show that neurodivergent people face significant hurdles in obtaining and maintaining employment.

In 2017, Achieve sought to address this by opening a social enterprise–a seasonal food trailer (Little Engine Eatery) in Buena Vista, Colorado where neurodivergent people can feel accepted and learn important skills while earning a paycheck. Skills developed in food service (such as communication, teamwork, and money-handling) open the door to a variety of personal and professional opportunities.

 
Learn more about us on the PBS Travel Show Daytripper with Chet Garner.

Sample of Media Excerpts

“The focus of the [Little Engine] is not to make money, it’s to provide job skills to people who are neurodiverse.” August 24, 2023, Chaffee County Times (quoting Achieve’s Executive Director).

“”In addition to helping their employees, Little Engine is also committed to doing right by customers.” June 10, 2021, Chaffee County Times. 

"I learned [working at the Little Engine] how to push myself to stay focused and get my job done, even when it gets super hard." October 31, 2023, Tenderfoot Times (quoting program participant Kendra Poplin)

“Achieve Inc. provides cognitive and social skills training, job training and paid employment to neuro-diverse teens and young adults in Chaffee, Lake, Custer and western Fremont counties. The Little Engine Eatery, operated during the summer months by neuro-diverse employees in Buena Vista, is one of the organization’s projects.” Jan 27, 2023, Chaffee County Times.

“BV Rec is partnering with local nonprofit Achieve, Inc. to provide single-day outings for neurodiverse participants in Buena Vista and surrounding areas.” Mar 16, 2023, Chaffee County Times.

Connect With Us

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Mailing Address:
16417 CR 325
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Summer Food Trailer:
BV Heritage Museum
506 E Main St.
Buena Vista, CO 81211

info@achievelikeskills.org
719.395.4006

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© Achieve, Inc. dba Little Engine Eatery 2017-2023 | A registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 37-1860566