If you’ve visited The Gallery at Broomfield, you might have noticed an adorable in-house ice cream parlor called Milo’s Creamery, or maybe a pop-up shop serving delicious Italian sodas. But Milo’s Creamery is serving more than just fantastic ice cream. Milo’s Project began as a dream to offer employment opportunities to individuals with special needs, and has evolved into a way to reinforce our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Inspired by a little boy named Milo, we’re on a mission to provide meaningful jobs for all people of all abilities. And serve some delicious ice cream while we’re at it!
What is Milo’s Project?
Milo’s project was inspired by a little boy with Down Syndrome named Milo. As we at Stellar Living know, Down Syndrome doesn’t have to mean limitations. People with Down Syndrome also have superpowers, including being kind, social, affectionate, playful, and empathetic. Milo’s Project is a way to emphasize these superpowers in people of all abilities. Differently abled people work at Milo’s Creamery, allowing them to show the world all the things they can do.
Milo’s Project began with Milo’s Creamery, an ice cream shop at The Gallery at Broomfield. Currently Milo’s Creamery only serves residents of The Gallery at Broomfield (and their families and visitors!), but they hope to open to the public and add more locations in the future.
Raising Awareness & Increasing Inclusivity
One of the main goals of Milo’s Project is to increase public awareness and inclusivity of those with intellectual disabilities. Down’s Syndrome and other disabilities are not well understood by many people. If you haven’t met a differently abled person, you may not know what it truly means.
We all have strengths and weaknesses. While people with physical and intellectual disabilities have limitations, they also have strengths. Every person is unique, regardless of their diagnosis. If you meet some of those working at Milo’s Creamery, you’ll see just how much they can do and the positive effect they can have, not only on your life, but also the world as a whole.
Empowering Through Employment
Meaningful job opportunities for those with Down’s Syndrome and other different ability levels can be hard to find. But differently abled people have a lot to offer, and they deserve opportunities to be meaningfully employed too. Providing job training and employment to people of all abilities is a key step in creating a more inclusive world. It also increases self-esteem and confidence in differently abled people, allowing them to achieve more independence and personal growth.
The Future of Milo’s Project
Milo’s Project is just getting started! Stellar Living hopes to add a Milo’s Creamery to every Stellar Living Community someday. In the meantime, pop-up Milo’s Creamery Soda Shops have been making the rounds at a variety of communities, including Lincoln Court and Creekside Assisted & Senior Living, and are also staffed by people with intellectual disabilities. Our senior residents and their families have loved these pop-up shops, and of course Milo’s Creamery is a favorite among residents of The Gallery at Broomfield. Follow Milo’s Project on Instagram to see what’s next.
Learn More, Visit Us, and Contribute to Our Efforts
Together, we can do more. Take a tour of The Gallery at Broomfield In Broomfield, Colorado to see Milo’s Creamery in action. Currently, Milo’s Project is supported by the Stellar Senior Living Foundation, a charitable nonprofit created to help residents, employees, individuals and communities. Donating to The Stellar Senior Living Foundation helps support Milo’s project. Together, we can help increase inclusivity and awareness, while supporting differently abled people in finding meaningful employment.
