Positive contributors to the work force
TTR ambassadors, volunteers and Pat Mooney in front of the mobile coffee shop.
Pat and Susan Mooney’s son Ross is the inspiration behind Tall Tales Ranch (TTR), a nonprofit they launched in 2014 for adults living with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD).
At the age of 14, Ross was diagnosed with x-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, an aggressive genetic disease that deteriorates the white matter in the brain. He received a bone marrow transplant, halting progression of the disease. Today, Ross is living with an acquired brain injury.
Positively contributing to the workforce is the idea behind one of TTR’s signature programs that provides relevant and community-based vocational training and employment for young adults with I/DD interested in working with the Tall Tales Coffee Company’s mobile coffee truck. Known as ambassadors, these adults receive on-the-job training learning how to manage and operate the truck that will eventually travel around the Denver metro area.
“Most of our individuals with I/DD are unemployed or underemployed,” said TTR Executive Director Laura McKenna. “And what many people don’t know is that they make exceptional employees because they are loyal, follow the schedule, have a phenomenal work ethic and are willing to do the work they are given.”
TTR recently partnered with ENT Credit Union on a workforce development program that pays ambassadors to help organize and stuff event bags. TTR is looking to expand the program to other businesses because they know many have similar needs but not the staff to complete the work.
“There are so many industries that are short on labor. We definitely feel like our ambassadors can fill that void,” said Laura. “We want the business community to look at the jobs they have internally that they feel our ambassadors can do, and know that we’re providing the training and support to make sure that everybody is successful.”
TTR continues to build and support their community of ambassadors with social and enrichment programs, training and employment and fundraising events. In late March, they hosted their first-ever tennis tournament at Club Greenwood, and they are gearing up for their annual Mini-Derby on May 3 at Sky View Farm in Castle Rock. A golf tournament is planned for June 23 at the Cherry Creek Golf Club.
For more information, visit talltalesranch.org or call 303-806-9141.
Tall Tales Ranch Founders Susan and Pat Mooney with their son, Ross, (center). Tall Tales Ranch is a nonprofit for adults living with intellectual and development disabilities like Ross.
By Sara Goodwin; photos courtesy of Tall Tales Ranch
