The James Ahern Foundation

11/05/2026

It's never too early for a from Shirley!! Thank you so much Shirley Ballas 💙😘🤗

09/09/2024

We were so proud to attend this term's summer showcase at by the indomitable

When she presented the idea to us initially, it was a no brainer that it met the criteria of the foundation.

Removing the barriers to entry into the performing arts for those who come from low socio-economic backgrounds is a wonderful idea.

But in the hands of Lilly, it has become something spectacular - and what she has achieved so far is nothing short of remarkable.

Seeing the quality of talent coming through De-mys-tify is proof that this industry needs these performers to come through, and we are beyond excited to see where this goes in the future!

16/08/2024

17/12/2023

Our mission at The James Ahern Foundation is focused on "enabling the pursuit of passion".

So when we heard about Collette Divitto and how she pursued her passion, we HAD to share it.

Collette, who was born with Down syndrome, studied hard and completed the Clemson University's LIFE program a year early. Soon after, she decided to leave her family home in Ridgefield, CT, and move to Boston to live on her own.

That's when her dreams were met with disappointment - Collette was rejected at all job interviews she attended. But that minor setback couldn't stop her. She was now even more determined to pursue her dreams.

After no one would hire her, Collette turned her baking hobby into a booming business named Collettey's. Now her customers can purchase Collettey's cookies at locations in Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut, and also online.

And not only that, but she went on to hire 15 people with disabilities - triumphantly reminding the world that a disability does not mean an inability!

"My favorite part of my company is creating more jobs for people with all types of disabilities," Collette said. "Do not let people bring you down and do not give up on your careers and dreams because when one door closes, another door opens."

Photos taken (and cookies available) from

05/12/2023

25/11/2023

Such an important message!

🔆The man doesn’t know that there is a snake underneath.
🔆The woman doesn’t know that there is a stone crushing the man.
🔆The woman thinks: “I am going to fall! And I can’t climb because the snake is going to bite me! Why can’t the man use a little more strength and pull me up!”
🔆The man thinks: “I am in so much pain! Yet I’m still pulling you as much as I can! Why don’t you try and climb a little harder!?”🥲

☀️The moral is— you can’t see the pressure the other person is under, and the other person can’t see the pain you’re in.👍

This is life, whether it’s with work, family, feelings or friends, we should try to understand each other.☝️👍

Learn to think differently, perhaps more clearly and communicate better. A little thought and patience goes a long way. 💓

Credit:
MOD Full House Market

12/11/2023

💙💙💙💙