Two women with curly and straight hair talking and smiling outside a brick building, wearing matching gray and pink t-shirts with a logo for Dirt Coffee Bar.

GREAT COFFEE BETTER CAUSE

Our Mission

DIRT Coffee is a nonprofit social enterprise with a mission to create inclusive, empowering job opportunities for neurodivergent folks.

A person holding a glass of latte with latte art on top, sitting on a wooden table. There are also two glasses of water and a spoon on a white wooden tray.
View of a cafe counter with a smiling person giving a thumbs-up, a point-of-sale screen displaying 'Dirt,' and a basket with dollar bills. Behind are shelves with coffee supplies, and two blackboards with handwritten menu items about single-origin coffee from Costa Rica.
A glass jar with the words "Dirt" and "Coffee" on it, filled with purple liquid and ice, serving as a vase for a bouquet of pink, purple, and white flowers on a wooden table in a cafe.

Our Impact

  • Two smiling men giving each other a high five inside a cafe or restaurant, with shelves of bottles, jars, and coffee-making equipment in the background.

    3 High-Quality, Community Driven Programs

    Unlocking the potential of neurodivergent inclusion with our four high-quality, evidence-based programs tailored for both employees and employers. These programs empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive in the workplace while providing employers with the tools and knowledge to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

  • Two young girls smiling and dancing in front of a coffee truck parked in a lot. The truck has signs related to coffee, such as 'DIVERGENT INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION TRANSFORMS'. The girls are wearing casual clothes and sunglasses, and the background shows a blue sky and power lines.

    11 Years Serving Communities

    For the past ten years, DIRT (Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms) has been dedicated to serving the community and transforming workspaces for the neurodivergent population. Starting as a mobile coffee truck in 2013, DIRT has grown to encompass two brick-and-mortar locations in Littleton and Denver.

  • A woman stands at a podium giving a presentation in a room with a large screen displaying the logo for Dirt Coffee Bar. The audience is seated at tables, listening.

    Breaking Barriers, Building Careers

    In 2024, over 1200 people have been positively impacted by DIRT’s programming: internships, workshops, job development, workforce employers, and DIRT on the Road.


Summer Intern 2021

A lot of the learning comes on the job. I took the first step, which is starting the internship. The most important thing I learned, if you are scared to try something like this - you should do it anyway. It will be worth it! I’d tell them that they should just go for it! I was a little bit worried that the coaching would be for people more impacted, but it still helped me. Don’t be afraid to say things and advocate for yourself!

A man with a beard and mustache smiling and holding a wooden sign that says 'DIRT'. He is wearing a green shirt and a black apron. The background shows a table with a stack of paper cups and blurred people in a casual setting.

Our Programs

In 2018, DIRT opened the doors to its first brick-and-mortar location to train, employ, and place neurodivergent individuals in meaningful, competitive, integrated employment. While providing on-the-job training for our interns and simultaneously working with employers and the community at large, we offer comprehensive and individualized services to reduce un- and underemployment rates for neurodivergent individuals and transform hiring practices.

Inclusive Employment Internship Program

DIRT offers a customized internship program for neurodivergent individuals seeking work experience. Through this program, participants gain confidence, practical skills, and a better understanding of their employment strengths while overcoming barriers. With paid work experience, individualized job coaching, and monthly social outings, DIRT provides ongoing support for future job placements.

Inclusive Employment Workshops

In 2023, DIRT offers employment-focused workshops to enhance foundational work skills and provide insight into the job experience. Topics covered include self-advocacy, coping skills, budgeting, work-life balance, and maintaining healthy boundaries in the workplace. Join us to gain valuable knowledge and tools for navigating the world of work.

Inclusive Workforce Employment Program

DIRT's employer program is dedicated to improving disability hiring practices and promoting the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in the workforce. By providing individualized training, consultations, and informative sessions, employers gain the knowledge and tools to effectively hire, retain, and collaborate with neurodivergent employees, resulting in a more inclusive work environment.
 

DIRT ON THE ROAD

Join DIRT as we hit the road with our mobile coffee truck, raising awareness about the low employment rate for neurodivergent folks. Engaging the greater community, we aim to ensure that communities and partners understand the barriers and resources needed to support interdependence. And make a positive impact on employment opportunities for all abilities.

Our Supporters

DIRT profoundly values the support of our community partners and foundations, whose collaboration helps us amplify our work and create meaningful employment opportunities.

Collection of logos from various Colorado-based organizations and foundations, including The Denver Foundation, Colorado Gives Foundation, and Colorado Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Get Involved

Get involved with our nonprofit organization and make a difference in your community. Join us in our mission to create positive change by signing up to be part of our programming, volunteering, or donating. Together, we can make a significant impact on reducing the inequitable unemployment and underemployment rate for neurodivergent individuals.

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