Learning by doing · 9-month vocational programme

The Post-18 Cliff

For many youths with autism, life after 18 brings a sudden drop in support. Kopi Teh Makan (KTM) by Ray of Hope, Flour Power & Foundry turns your office pantry into a community centre — giving youths hands-on F&B experience, confidence and their first paycheck.

Bring KTM to your office Meet the youths

The gaps are stark

Without tailored pathways, youths risk being left out.

Few job options

Most jobs aren't built for youths with social, communication or sensory challenges — too rigid or too demanding, with little flexibility.

Limited pathways

Adult disability programme spaces are scarce and costly, with waits of months to years. Many young adults end up at home with little to do.

Social isolation grows

Most graduates have limited networks, having been in special education since childhood.

Families stretched

Caregivers juggle round-the-clock support while searching for engagement and respite — often with little relief.

Singapore's push for inclusive work

Employment of persons with disabilities (15–64) rose from 28.2% (2018/19) to 32.7% (2022/23). To hit 40% by 2030, efforts focus on inclusive hiring, short-term gigs, and job coaches.
Source: MSF Enabling Masterplan 2030

Together, these measures aim to place 4,500 more PwDs by 2030.

Kopi Teh Makan · How it works

Grow at their own pace — in your office.

A 9-month journey centred on each young person: training with Flour Power, deployment at Foundry and corporate pop-ups, plus job coaching and advocacy. Images below from the current KTM site.

Training

Coffee & tea prep, food safety, equipment handling and workplace etiquette with Flour Power.

Deployment

Real-world experience at Foundry and corporate pop-ups — your pantry becomes their classroom.

Job coaching

Guidance for professional and emotional growth, tailored scaffolding for each youth.

Advocacy

Showing what youths with autism can achieve — and equipping employers to include well.

Why corporates love it

• Foundry Forward Fund subsidises costs & lowers barriers • Youths earn $10/hr — often their first salary • Small wins every session: micro-movements, sensory confidence, self-direction • Caregivers get respite + discover new capabilities • Your team learns to build inclusive environments

"It's a learning journey for everyone." — Dr Alicia Altorfer-Ong, Executive Director, Ray of Hope

Watch: KTM in action

Hear from their stories

Every smile reflects resilience.

Small, meaningful shifts happen when youths are given understanding and room to grow.

Sean's story

From Meltdowns to Morning Cups of Joy

A youth who had meltdowns early on became more self-directed and comfortable — navigating sensory challenges with pride, session by session.

Read Sean's full story

Jolin's story

Finding Her First Real Job, Step by Step

Initially afraid of handling heat, Jolin gained confidence preparing tea and coffee for corporate guests.

Read Jolin's full story

Bridging the Post-18 Cliff: how corporates open doors

Every office has a pantry. KTM transforms it into a temporary community centre. Pilot began Dec 2023 with Tolaram and 3 youths; grew in 2024 to 6 youths + 4 corporate partners. Goal: 50–60 participants by 2026 — micro-gigs as stepping stones to placements and training.

Organised by Ray of Hope · In partnership with Flour Power · Supported by Tolaram · Powered by Foundry.
Story adapted from project-ktm.framer.website. Photos & graphics © their respective owners, mirrored here for the microsite draft.

Work with us ← All programmes