Our story

Our Mission

PASS Marketplace is dedicated to assisting young adults with autism overcome workplace barriers.

Our purpose is to enable individuals to learn new skills and self-confidence, gain independence and succeed in the workplace. As active members of the larger community, we consider work to be an integral part of adult life and a significant contributor to establishing social networks. PASS Marketplace was created in response to the challenges young adults with autism face in acquiring meaningful and appropriate employment.

Our Story

In 2016, PASS Marketplace began by producing soy wax candles in which every step in the candle-crafting process was carried out by the young adults enrolled in the program. The first large batch of candles was created as gala thank you gifts for the PASS 9th Imagine Gala, Karma: An Evening of Good Vibes. The response to our candles was overwhelmingly positive, not only in generating orders for other events but also in highlighting the remarkable abilities of the individuals who made them. Individual candle sales continue to be the backbone of the marketplace, although new products are added to the inventory on a regular basis and our small custom packaging work continues to increase.

The students are involved in every step of the candle-crafting process, from unpacking inventory, to placing and cutting the wicks, scenting the candles, to applying the labels and packaging. 

Tanya Salih, a young adult enrolled at PALS Adult Services Society (PASS), is responsible for designing the majority of the labels and artwork pieces used on our products. Tanya employs a meticulous process that includes selecting a design, sketching the artwork by hand, and using Paint 3D to edit the final design. Each young adult has a unique contribution to offer and together they create quality products that are available to purchase the whole year round.

What We Offer