Over the weekend, Focus comics and Real American Heroes held a community outreach event at Jesse James Comics, in Glendale in support of young autistic and special needs talent and local heroes.
Ezekiel Cook and Jade Chen had the pleasure of showcasing their art on Real American Hero coffee bags at the event as Artist Interns. Our students gained valuable vocational work experience at the booth and developed their art presentation skills. Our students enjoyed receiving positive attention and encouragement from the general public, which helped boost their confidence as young aspiring artists.
Ezekiel cook, our neurodivergent intern drew Captain Henry of Rural Metro Fire to honor him and all local fire fighters for their selfless service and courage in protecting the community. We thank Captain Henry and Glendale Fire Department for sending their crew and truck down in support of our autistic and special needs interns. They were extremely generous with their time and loved learning about our students ideas in relation to real American Heroes through art.
Jade Chen, our autistic intern drew her father who works in law enforcement to honor her father, and all law enforcement officers who protect and serve the community. Jade enjoyed showcasing her art to the general public and she loved meeting her local fire fighter heroes at the booth.
We also congratulate Audrey Lam and Vanessa Montiel for successfully completing their internship.
We thank Jesse James comics for supporting young neurodivergent talent at the event and we thank the general public for their support. We also like to express our gratitude and appreciation towards Real American Hero for supporting the Focus comic internship program.
Check out the following films to learn about the event and the impact the internship program is having on young autistic and special needs talent:
“Hi, my name is Jason. I’m with the fire department. I’m honored and proud to be part of a program where we are working with Real American Heroes Coffee, and we’re also working with the Focus Comic group to raise some money and raise some awareness, and really be a part of something great to help out kids.
This really means a lot to me as a father. With a son that has autism, this is a good cause because I’m a first responder, and we’re working with different agencies for a good cause.
I also think that Ezekiel drew such a nice picture of our fire truck. It’s just going to a great cause. I’m just really glad to be a part of it.” [Captain Henry. Quote]
We love to support local heroes, such as law enforcement, military, and especially the fire department. I wanna give a huge thanks to Glendale fire department for coming and supporting me and the other Focus Comics interns. They were generous with their time, even letting us tour the fire truck.
And also a huge thanks to Jesse James Comics for hosting the event. We appreciate the owner supporting Focus Comics and young autistic talent.” [ Jade Chen, Focus Comic and Real American Hero Autistic Intern].
The program is designed to help these students to gain positive attention, build confidence, get an idea of what they can do and help them better develop skills for lifelong learning, build a career.
This program actually gives them real life practical experience where they’re interacting with customers, they’re interacting with people, where they’re learning to express themselves, and develop practical, positive skills that enhance their personalities and help them have the confidence to become better in the long run.
Even though these students are very young, this is something that when you can build it earlier into their personality, then later when they become adults or in high school, then they have the grid and the tenacity to move forward, and to build lives for themselves which is something we want to see in all students.
But in students with disabilities, sometimes you have to focus in a little more. And that’s what Focus is doing as well as Great American Heroes, so it’s a great program that is really enhancing the lives of these children.” [Charlotte. Special Education Teacher. Ezekiel Cooks grandmother. Quote]
“Hi, my name is Kelly, and I’m really excited to stop by the Focus Comic books today to support their outreach supporting children on the spectrum.
I purchased my real American Heroes Coffee today with an image drawn by Ezekiel. I was really inspired by it with his passion for firefighters. As a mom of a child with autism, I think it’s really important to give back to the community.
It’s been really inspiring to see what the kids are doing with their creativity through the school, and it’s just a really great cause.
So today was a great event and we’re excited to try our coffee, and we’ll save this picture forever.” [Kelly, Customer Quote}