LIBERTY HILL, Texas — A new Liberty Hill ice cream shop is serving up more than sweet ice cream, but job opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities.
Owners Lisa and James Candido opened Udder Love in mid-August. At the heart of their business is their 10-year-old son, Tyler Candido.
"When Tyler was born 10 years ago, right away, we thought about what is he going to do," said Lisa Candido. "We wanted to make sure that he had opportunities.
Now, after a long day of school, the fourth-grader trades his backpack for gloves.
"Ready to get to work," said James Candido. "Besides looking almost identical, [Tyler] is a joy to be around. We are attached at the hip."
With just a few days of experience, Tyler Candido has become quite the scoop master. But even when he doesn't get it right, he's eager to learn.
"I did it," said Tyler Candido.
"We know [Tyler is] capable of all things," said Lisa Candido. "With some time and patience and going about it the right way, he'll learn just like everybody else does."
That's exactly what the Candidos plan to instill in the employees that join their program.
Inclusive college programs for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are popping up all over the country.
However, Lisa Candido told KVUE these programs can be expensive, and there is no guarantee for independent jobs or supported employment after graduation. So, that's where Udder Love steps in.
"We wanted to make sure that individuals with Down syndrome and others with intellectual disabilities had supportive and meaningful work," said Lisa Candido. "We want people to recognize him as a meaningful member of a community as well."
Lisa Candido said they couldn't have opened the shop without the support of the community.
"Everything from our friend that did these beautiful aprons, to another friend that came out and took pictures for us, to somebody else wants to help us with the training program for employees," said Lisa Candido. "People now come out and support this business because they want to support a purpose."
During their soft opening, over 700 samples were given out. Even days after opening, old friends, like Tyler's summer school teacher, came out to support.
"[Tyler is] one of the coolest people I know," said teacher Courtney Respondeck. "He was one of my students, and I automatically fell in love with him."
While Tyler Candido's parents are giving him on-the-job lessons, he's teaching everyone else in Liberty Hill that just a taste of love and compassion will go a long way.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: