For more than 20 years, your support has changed lives.

You’ve helped hundreds of young people with disabilities build confidence, gain skills, and step into a future filled with possibilities.

As we look ahead, we’re taking an intentional step forward to deepen that impact.

Please see the letter below from our CEO.

Dear Garten Supporter,

Thank you so much for supporting Garten’s Youth Employment Services (YES). Because of you, more young people with disabilities are gaining the tools, confidence, and knowledge they need to pursue competitive employment and contribute meaningfully to our communities.

Over the past year, your support has helped us educate more than 350 students, connect with over 120 youth in transition programs, and engage with hundreds of families through transition fairs across our community. Together, we are breaking down barriers and opening doors to opportunities – ensuring more individuals can see a future where they belong in the workforce and in their community.

As we continue this important work, we are also taking a bold and intentional step forward.

Thanks to supporters like you, we are reimagining our Summer Youth Employment Program to better meet the needs of today’s youth and create stronger, more sustainable pathways to employment. This next chapter will include deeper skill-building opportunities, enhanced case management, and expanded partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. Our goal is to ensure youth is set up for long-term success even after they graduate from the program.

To do this well, we have made the thoughtful decision to pause the SYEP for 2026 as we build a stronger, more impactful experience – one that reflects the evolving needs of the youth and families we serve. While this program has proudly served our community for more than 20 years, we believe this investment in its future will allow us to create something even more meaningful.

We are excited to relaunch in 2027 and look forward to sharing updates along the way as this new vision comes to life.

None of this would be possible without you. Your support is helping shape the future of inclusive employment, and we are so grateful to have you alongside us in this work.

Should you have any questions about the program or its development, please email pr@garten.org.