When the Friends’ Treat Truck launched in 2021, we were in the throes of a global pandemic and learning to operate in different ways than we were accustomed to. Despite living through many unknowns, our mission of creating opportunities for adults with disabilities to grow personally, develop socially, and enjoy community was stronger than ever. Being dedicated to the mission fueled a new sense of challenge and creativity among our staff and board members.
The Treat Truck started as an experiment in spreading joy and community connection. We knew we could all use a little joy and hope during such an unprecedented era. We also wanted to create opportunities for the Friends to engage with the community at a time when they couldn’t carry out their weekly volunteer shifts with our community partners, give live performances, or attend in-person events.
![3 white trailer with two workers standing out front next to a table, chalkboard sign, and t-shirt rack](https://i0.wp.com/friendslife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3.png?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1)
![2 3 workers standing in and outside a white trailer under a tent](https://i0.wp.com/friendslife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-1.png?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1)
In its first year, the Treat Truck booked 40 events where the Friends served frozen novelties out of a simple white cargo trailer outfitted with a serving window, chest freezer, and free-standing AC unit. It wasn’t fancy, but it created meaningful connections and generated many (masked) smiles as folks enjoyed a sweet treat. It brought people together in as safe a way as possible at a time when we were all craving community and connection. And it quickly gained momentum, serving at over 100 events each subsequent year, and adding four new paid positions for individuals with disabilities, known as Treat Truck Associates.
![4 young woman with down syndrome wearing a pink apron and smiling](https://i0.wp.com/friendslife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-1.png?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1)
Fast forward to 2024. Now in its fourth season, the Treat Truck is poised to see a record-breaking year of events. By providing job training skills and real employment opportunities, it continues to increase its impact on the lives of adults with disabilities.
Emma is a shining example of someone who has found a meaningful employment opportunity with the Treat Truck. Emma participated in a focus group centered around the Treat Truck in 2023, gaining valuable skills in customer service, organization, and teamwork. She worked to create a resume which she used to apply and interview for an Associate position. Emma is now a full-fledged Treat Truck Associate working evening and weekend events along with her teammates, and she is thriving. She takes pride in her work and truly helps the Treat Truck accomplish its mission of spreading joy alongside frozen treats.
The Treat Truck is so much more than an ice cream truck. It is community and connection. It is a dignified employment opportunity. It is breaking down barriers for adults with disabilities. When you book the Treat Truck for your event, you are creating a sweeter, more inclusive world.
![National Ice Cream Month a man and a woman in pink serving aprons outside an ice cream truck with text: july is national ice cream month](https://i0.wp.com/friendslife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/National-Ice-Cream-Month.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1)
Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? What better time to bring the Treat Truck out to your neighborhood, company, church, or private party? Visit our Treat Truck page to learn more and book your event!
We are so grateful to Jennifer and Cliff Ogden for kickstarting the Treat Truck with their generous donations of time, talents, and resources.
We are grateful to St. George’s Episcopal Church for helping the Treat Truck reach new heights through a social enterprise grant.
And we are grateful to the barrier-breaking sponsors who help fund our mission to help the Friends build community one treat at a time!
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