Empowering Futures, One Step at a Time

Mission 26

Training Young Adults With Disabilities

Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of young adults with disabilities. At Mission 26, we provide training, career exposure, and real-world work opportunities to help them thrive and achieve their potential. 💛

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Get Involved

Join Mission 26 and make a lasting impact on the lives of young adults with disabilities. Your involvement can help create a more inclusive and supportive community through participation in our programs, partnership opportunities, or community events.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Donate

Your donations enable us to provide essential training and career opportunities to young adults with disabilities. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue our mission and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Support us today.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Volunteer

Share your time and skills to empower young adults with disabilities. From mentoring and training to providing administrative support, there are various volunteer opportunities available. Join our team and help us drive positive change in our community.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Spread the Word

Help us amplify our mission by spreading the word about Mission 26. Share our story with your friends, family, and social networks. Follow us on social media, and encourage others to support our cause. Your voice can make a big difference.

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 The name Mission 26 came from the idea that it would be our mission to help prepare young adults for the world of work before they reach the age of 26, which is the age when a lot of special education services stop.

-John Boersma

About Us

Mission Statement

Mission 26 was founded in 2023 by John Boersma, his wife Cristi, and their children Ty, Sadie, Hunter, and Wrigley. Growing up, I was heavily involved in sports, and during high school, I was asked to mentor a young man named Andy Stuitje, who was part of the special education program. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what mentoring entailed—I simply spent time with Andy, and he loved it! However, after a few years, it became clear that Andy was the one mentoring me, teaching me invaluable lessons about life.

 

Andy had an infectious love for life, deeply valuing friendships and always seeking to help others. Winning games or scoring points didn’t matter to him; what he cherished most was the connection and a big hug after the game. Inspired by this, I pursued a degree in special education and began a career dedicated to working with individuals with disabilities, primarily high school students. Over my 20 years of teaching, I’ve taught nearly every subject to students with a wide range of abilities.

 

Eight years ago, I transitioned to a career and technical education role, where I connect students with various career paths and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in those fields. In 2017, our family welcomed our fourth child, Wrigley, who was born a month early. Shortly after his birth, we learned that Wrigley has Down syndrome. While this news introduced us to uncharted waters, our love for him only grew stronger.

 

Wrigley has been an incredible blessing, not just to our family but to many others as well, with his zest for life. We often say, “everyone needs a little Wrigley sometimes.” Over the years, as a high school special education teacher, I frequently encountered parents who were anxious or uncertain about their child’s transition to adulthood and what the future might hold for them. This concern resonated deeply with me and planted the seed for what would become Mission 26.

 

Given my background in special education, career and technical education, and my personal experience as a parent of a child with Down syndrome, I realized it was time to create something meaningful. Mission 26 was born from the desire to help young adults with disabilities prepare for the workforce before they turn 26—the age at which many special education services end.

 

Our mission is to be a valuable resource and provide opportunities for young adults with disabilities who are eager to equip themselves with the skills and confidence needed for employment. We aim to support them in making a successful transition into the world of work, empowering them to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Our Values

Mission 26

Our Vision

To create an inclusive community where young adults with disabilities are empowered to lead fulfilling and independent lives through meaningful employment.

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Our Programs

Empowering Careers Through Comprehensive Support

Our programs at Mission 26 are designed to provide young adults with disabilities the tools, training, and opportunities they need to explore diverse career paths and achieve their professional goals.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Career Exploration

We expose our students to a wide range of career options, helping them discover their passions and strengths. Through hands-on experiences and mentorship, they gain valuable insights into different fields.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Skills Training

Our comprehensive training programs cover essential employability skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills tailored to various industries.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Work Opportunities

Students are provided with real-world work opportunities with our partner companies. They receive compensation for their work, building confidence and financial independence.

What People Are Saying About Mission 26

Mission 26 was an eye-opening experience for me. I wanted to work but didn’t know if I could due to my many disabilities. Through the wide variety of jobs Mission 26 exposed me to, I discovered there were jobs out there I was able to do and genuinely enjoyed! Mission 26 provided a safe space for me to try stepping out my comfort zone to discover what I’m capable of. It was an enjoyable experience overall. John was a great leader who handled every situation wisely. He helped us each discover our personal strengths. Mission 26 gave me hope for a better future and confidence in my newfound abilities.

 

-Victoria Hewitt

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

How You Can Help

Be a Catalyst for Change

Discover the many ways you can support Mission 26, from donating and volunteering to spreading awareness and getting involved in our initiatives, and help us empower young adults with disabilities to succeed.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities
job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Get Involved

Join us in making a difference. Whether you are an individual, a business, or a community group, there are numerous ways to get involved with Mission 26.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Donate

Your generous contributions help us continue our work. Every donation, big or small, makes a significant impact on the lives of the young adults we serve.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Volunteer

Volunteer your time and skills to support our programs. From mentoring to administrative support, there are various ways you can help.

job opportunities for youth with disabilities

Spread the Word

Help us raise awareness about our mission. Share our story with your network, follow us on social media, and spread the word about the important work we do.

Mission 26 Highlights

To create an inclusive community where young adults with disabilities are empowered to lead fulfilling and independent lives through meaningful employment.

1

Comprehensive Skills Training

We provide tailored training programs that equip young adults with disabilities with the essential skills needed to excel in various careers.

2

Real-World Work Experience

Our students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with local businesses, ensuring they are prepared for the workforce.

3

Individual Potential

We believe in the unique abilities of every individual and are dedicated to nurturing their strengths and helping them achieve their career aspirations.

4

Supportive Community

At Mission 26, we foster an inclusive environment where young adults with disabilities are encouraged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Mission 26

DeGroot Shootout 2024

The Pines Golf Course