Turning compassion into action with Urban Autism Solutions

At 84.51°, our associates have many structured opportunities to support local charities and create meaningful impact across communities, from our tiered giving programs and employee grant stipends to our skills-based volunteering services. Sometimes, though, an organization captures our hearts and we just jump in on our own in an effort to help.  

Urban Autism Solutions (UAS) is a nonprofit located on the West Side of Chicago dedicated to changing outcomes for young adults with autism and related disabilities. Every year, thousands of teens with autism leave high school and step into a world with limited support. Without access to the right programs, many face an uncertain future. UAS bridges this gap by providing services that equip these young adults with the skills they need to build meaningful connections, gain employment, and thrive in adulthood. 

Our associates were introduced to UAS and its participants when they started bringing produce from their urban farm into our Chicago office, to raise money and promote awareness for their organization. Taken by the group and its mission, some of our associates started planning volunteering sessions to support the students through various services and events. 

Led by co-chairs Michaela Delaney and Ryan Hensley, we’ve found several ways to engage and offer support. The biggest focus area so far has been with the group’s Growing Solutions Farm, a 1.2-acre urban farm that provides hands-on job training for students. At the farm, students learn to harvest food, follow food safety and sanitation guidelines, build raised beds, prepare soil, and maintain compost. They also develop job skills like communication, task management, and following directions. Around 50 students train during the school year, with 20-25 working through the One Summer Chicago program. The farm sells produce weekly at stands, as well as to restaurants and wholesalers. It also offers a CSA subscription, with all proceeds supporting vocational training programs. 

To contribute to this important initiative, our team has helped with weeding, digging, pulling up sod, and laying mulch to get the farm in shape to host the best possible summer programs. We also completely revamped their greenhouse exterior, a job that helped UAS save labor costs while providing a fun (yet challenging!) experience for our squad.  

Since the farm is seasonal, we’re also exploring opportunities to get more involved with  students in the colder months. These may include working with UAS Life Lab students on vocational programming such as helping with resume building and practicing interview skills. Other opportunities include urban hikes, during which a group of students practice navigating the city and bolstering social interactions using public transportation. There’s also the potential for 84.51° to engage Life Lab participants with trips to local grocery stores and lead a shopping exercise to help provide opportunities for interaction with the community while building life skills. 

Our hearts are with UAS because they provide hope and dignity to those who are often left behind without support. What started as a simple introduction through fresh produce has blossomed into a partnership built on grassroots community engagement. Our associates didn't need a formal program or corporate directive; empowered by our values and the mission of Living Our Purpose, they took action. This organic commitment to UAS reflects the values that drive us at 84.51°: using our skills and resources to create lasting change where it matters most.  

 To learn more about our associates and why we do what we do, visit the Company and Culture section of our Knowledge Hub.