CSAAC created Empower Vending as an initiative for the individuals to work and engage with people in the local community. Never was a crisis like Covid-19 envisioned. When it happened, most of the businesses where we have our vending machines closed their offices. At this same time, CSAAC individuals and their associates began sheltering in place as a direct response to the pandemic.
CSAAC still has a few vending sites which are essential and their vending machines needed to be maintained. The Community School of Maryland’s Administrative Assistant, Tom was approached to help with these efforts and he knew that he needed an assistant to help, so his autistic son, Cush stepped up to be an instrumental member as a volunteer while he fills in for his friends. When they tend to the machines, Cush helps Tom learn how to train CSAAC clients and students for the future of the vending initiative as CSAAC strives to create a positive and safe environment in which to work.
As they work side by side for the betterment of the community while helping the organization, it makes Tom look at his son Cush with a sense of pride he never thought he would experience. Best of all, Cush enjoys going out to the vending sites, wearing his protective gear, and stocking the machines. Just like for CSAAC’s individuals who make up Empower Vending, it helps Cush feel like an essential part of the community.
