We’re thrilled to share that the Living and Learning Enrichment Center has been named a grant recipient for the 2026 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®, receiving a total of $125,000 from Chick-fil-A, Inc. to advance our efforts in the Southeast Michigan community. With this contribution, we plan to expand our coordinated care model, hire additional job coaches and support staff, and move individuals off our nearly 12-month waitlist into active participation in our comprehensive wraparound services, empowering more teens and young adults with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment, greater independence, and a stronger sense of belonging in their communities.
The True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015 to carry on Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy’s legacy of generosity and community service. To be selected, a nonprofit must work to address community needs that align with one of Chick-fil-A’s Global Impact priorities: caring for people, caring for others through food, caring for our communities, and caring for our planet.
We’ve partnered with the Chick-fil-A in Northville, Michigan, where Phil Whitsel and his team have opened their doors as a vocational training site for our participants. Their staff embodies S. Truett Cathy’s philosophy of investing in people, treating our young adults with exceptional compassion and patience as they build real-world job skills and confidence in a welcoming, supportive environment.
We are so appreciative of Phil and the entire Northville Chick-fil-A team for their ongoing support! We cannot wait to continue serving Southeast Michigan with the help of this transformative grant.