Celebrating the Spectrum: Several New Bizzes Promote Neurodiversity and Inclusion

Celebrating the Spectrum: Several New Bizzes Promote Neurodiversity and Inclusion

The Belong Kitchen staff / photo by Marlo Wise

A NUMBER OF Houston organizations and businesses are championing neurodiversity and inclusion leading up to National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which begins tomorrow.


Belong Kitchen just opened in the Memorial area, offering grab-and-go family meals crafted by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Offerings vary each day — and often run out within just a few hours! Specials include Mexican lasagna and hot-honey-pretzel chicken tenders.

Earlier this year, Social Motion Skills and the Center for Pursuit united to form a partnership dubbed the Center of Excellence, which will serve adults and children with IDD. Here, the Aspire Accessories workshop — where individuals with autism and similar special needs create one-of-a-kind jewelry, art and home décor — will find a new home.

And today, Spectrum Fusion, founded in 2018 as an offshoot of a successful Australian program by the same name, unveils its new headquarters on Bissonnet, where adults on the autism spectrum can nurture their creative talents. The Spectrum Fusion Media Team, for example, is comprised of Houston videographers, editors, writers, graphic designers and actors, all of whom are on the spectrum; the team has done work for clients such as Johnson & Johnson and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra.

At 2,400-square-feet, the new West U HQ will offer plenty of space for collaboration and community, and will also focus on promoting neurodiversity in the workplace.

The Spectrum Fusion Media Team / via Instagram


People + Places
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gold high-low tulle mini dress, $698, by Chloe Dao, with diamond-and-pearl necklace, diamond earrings, diamond-flower bracelet, and diamond rings, all vintage Buccellati, and Macri cuff bracelets, from $32,000, by Buccellati, all at Tenenbaum Jewelers.

IN THE WARM glow of the holidays, festive frocks, elegant resort looks and baubles from Houston’s finest jewelers take on a regal new light.

Keep ReadingShow less
Style

WHEN ENVISIONING The Marigold Club, afternoon tea was destined to be a cornerstone — a sophisticated nod to the lavish charm of Mayfair London infused with French culinary flair and a dash of Houston’s bold spirit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food