Industry supports Autism employment: 13th Annual MTS Logistics Bike Tour

Spectrum Works, a unique nonprofit organization that specializes in providing job training and employment placement services to individuals on the autism spectrum is pleased to be partnering with MTS Logistics, a prominent shipping and logistics company based in New York, for the 13th Annual Charity Bike Tour, to take place June 10, 2023 in New York City. This event aims to support autism acceptance, employment, and equity and gives the shipping and logistics industry the opportunity to unite for the largest bike event in the industry with participants from the major global steamship lines, shippers, importers, customs brokers, and other companies within the logistics industry. The funds raised from this year's bike tour will once again contribute to Spectrum Works' impressive track record of successfully training individuals on the autism spectrum for meaningful employment. By implementing sustainable employment programs at various companies, Spectrum Works continues to create integrated workforces, fostering greater education and opportunities for all.

"We are thrilled to partner with MTS Logistics for this event to support our programs that make it possible for autistic individuals to find meaningful, long-term employment and for corporations to build more inclusive workforces," said Ann Marie Sullivan, CEO and Founder of Spectrum Works. "At Spectrum Works we believe that autistic individuals have a tremendous amount to offer in the workplace, and we hope that this fundraising event will once again be a major success that helps us further expand our reach and support network.”

The bike tour will start in lower Manhattan and take riders over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brighton Beach for a beachfront brunch, where there will be a raffle with prize opportunities such as round trip international airline tickets courtesy of Turkish Airlines, before heading back to lower Manhattan. During brunch, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Sullivan about Spectrum Works’ mission of helping autistic young adults overcome challenges and become self-assured, employment-ready individuals capable of making valuable contributions to companies and the world around them. Thanks to the generosity of MTS Logistics and Turkish Philanthropy Funds, bike rentals will be free for all participants.

"I would like to sincerely thank Spectrum Works for its continued, strong support for MTS Logistics' annual bike tour event and for furthering the cause of autism employment awareness,” said Sedat Saka, MTS Logistics President. “MTS Logistics proudly raised over $80,000 at last year’s event and hopes to beat that this year with a new goal of $100,000. What began as an act of social impact for others became personal for me when I subsequently had two children of my own who are on the autism spectrum. I now know firsthand the challenges, and many rewards, of being a parent to a child with autism. We are thrilled to be taking action and supporting Spectrum Works in its mission to empower individuals with autism. It fills us with pride to know that our efforts will directly benefit the people they serve, and we are excited to see the positive impact we can make together. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far."

Spectrum Works plans to utilize the funds raised through the event to launch a new program that supports funded internships at partner companies. The program will provide job coaching and support for autistic individuals who are no longer attending a high school that has limited opportunities for internships. The goal is to help participants secure employment with partner companies after the completion of the program. Autistic young adults face significant barriers to employment, with nearly half of the autistic 25-year-olds having never held a paying job. Funds will be used to cover interns’ wages, and job coach’s salaries at partner companies, and to educate companies about the benefits of hiring autistic individuals, including increasing awareness and understanding of the unique talents and abilities that autistic individuals can bring to the workplace. Companies that have implemented autism employment programs highlight numerous advantages, including harnessing untapped talent to meet workforce demands, fostering an inclusive culture, contributing to the local community, and making a meaningful social impact. Many industries have started recognizing the immense potential of autistic individuals and the compelling business reasons to hire them, yet the need to raise further awareness remains.

The funds will also help to increase awareness and optimism amongst autistic individuals and their families that organizations like Spectrum Works exist to support them in their journey toward employment and a better quality of life. Participants’ donations or sponsorships will have an exponential impact on the lives of these individuals, their families, companies, and the community as a whole, and go a long way in supporting Spectrum Works' mission of providing employment opportunities for autistic individuals.

The 13th Annual Charity Bike Tour event promises to be a fun-filled day for a great cause. Interested participants can become a sponsor company, make a donation, and learn more about the advantages of participating in this special event on the event website: https://www.classy.org/campaign/13th-annual-bike-tour-with-mts-for-autism/c458337