Pedaling for a Purpose: Combining My Passion for Cycling and Nonprofit Work
As a serious cyclist for 50 years, I have always had a passion for adventure and pushing the limits. However, my passion for helping individuals with developmental disabilities has been the driving force behind my nonprofit work for the past six years. Nick's Differently Awesome Outreach is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing safe and meaningful jobs for individuals who have developmental disabilities and face challenges in finding or maintaining employment.
Our organization takes pride in offering a unique work experience that allows our employees to gain skills, independence, and confidence, while being valued members of the community. All of our employees, who have developmental disabilities, work on our dessert truck, which operates under the name of Nick's Treats. They are all paid above minimum wage, and the proceeds from all sales go toward the funding of the nonprofit, which usually runs at a deficit.
Nick's Differently Awesome Outreach also provides free treats to children and people with disabilities who are served by other nonprofits. We host free events all summer long, where attendees can enjoy our delicious treats while connecting with others and celebrating our community. By doing so, we aim to promote inclusion, raise awareness, and spread joy and happiness to those in need.
Our organization has come a long way since its inception. It took 20 years from the idea until it was put into service, and now we are beginning our sixth year. Nick's Treats has evolved a great deal, and we now offer more than just shaved ice. For five years, we fought to be accepted as a food truck in Lubbock, and now we have become more than just a food truck. We are now a truck that serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the community.
As a volunteer, I receive no money for my work, but I am on the trailer every minute it is open. This is an organization that can truly say that 100% of the money raised goes to better the lives of these young people.
I am proud of the work that Nick's Differently Awesome Outreach has accomplished, and I am excited for the future of our organization. We believe that our mission is vital to our community and to the individuals we serve. We strive to make a positive impact by creating an environment that is supportive, encouraging, and empowering.
In 2020, I rode my bicycle across Texas as a fundraiser to save our nonprofit. Many of our supporters came from the cycling community.
Today, we are a healthier nonprofit but we still need to raise funds to survive. That is why all advertising and affiliate revenue from this blog will go to the nonprofit.
We can use your help and really appreciate your support. If you would like donate to a worthy cause, we have a giving platform here at GIVEBUTTER.
Here is my next blog post: Electric Bikes: The True Cost When Factoring in Replacement Batteries
