About BFF
Building opportunity through real work.
Brighter Futures Foundation was created to help neurodivergent adults develop practical skills, confidence, greater independence, and stronger community connection through meaningful hands-on experience.
Mission
To provide inclusive vocational training and real-world work opportunities for neurodivergent adults, helping each participant build practical skills, greater independence, and meaningful community connection.
Why BFF exists
The transition to adulthood should lead to meaningful opportunity.
For many neurodivergent adults and their families, the years after school can bring fewer structured opportunities to learn, contribute, build relationships, and prepare for greater independence. BFF is developing a practical response: a supportive program where everyday instruction is connected to real responsibilities and community life.
Our approach
A working environment, not a simulation.
The print shop gives participants a visible purpose for the skills they practice. A schedule matters because a customer is waiting. Quality matters because a finished product carries BFF's name. Communication matters because the team depends on one another. Through this environment, vocational training and life-skills development become connected to something tangible.
Our story
From a local need to a working model.
BFF brings together families, educators, program leaders, business experience, community relationships, and a functioning print operation around a shared goal: creating more meaningful opportunities for neurodivergent adults to learn, work, contribute, and grow.
Values
What guides our decisions.
Capability
We begin with what each person can do and create opportunities to build from there.
Responsibility
Meaningful growth comes from having real roles, clear expectations, and support to follow through.
Independence
We help participants build practical skills, confidence, and greater choice in everyday life.
Community
People grow through contribution, relationships, belonging, and participation in the world around them.
People
People behind Brighter Futures.
BFF is guided by people who bring experience in program development, operations, education, community partnership, business, governance, and lived family perspective.
Alison Lakoff, MA
Co-Founder | Director of Education
Alison Lakoff is a co-founder of Brighter Futures Foundation and leads the development of its educational, vocational, and life-skills programming for neurodivergent adults. With more than 20 years of experience in special education, Alison brings a deep understanding of how individualized instruction, practical skill development, and real-world experience can help young adults build confidence and greater independence. She holds a master’s degree in Special Education, along with an Autism Authorization and CLAD credentials.
As Director of Education, Alison oversees the educational framework behind the Brighter Futures model, connecting vocational training with independent living skills, workplace readiness, communication, and personal development. She helps ensure that learning is practical, individualized, and reinforced through meaningful participation in the Foundation’s working print business and the broader community.
Alison’s approach is centered on recognizing each participant’s strengths, interests, and potential while creating the structure and support needed to help them develop skills that translate beyond the program and into everyday life.
Roya Sahebi
Co-Founder | Director of Operations
Roya Sahebi is a co-founder of Brighter Futures Foundation and oversees the operational foundation that brings the organization’s programs, people, partnerships, and day-to-day activities together.
As Director of Operations, Roya helps translate the Foundation’s mission into a structured and sustainable working environment. Her role spans organizational development, program operations, community relationships, participant and family support, business coordination, and the systems needed to support Brighter Futures as it grows.
Roya works closely across the organization to ensure that the educational program and working print business operate as one connected experience. From coordinating resources and relationships to supporting participants, staff, families, and community partners, she helps create an environment where individuals can contribute meaningfully while developing confidence, responsibility, and greater independence. Her focus is on building the strong operational and community foundation that allows Brighter Futures to remain personal and supportive while expanding the opportunities it can provide to the individuals and families it serves.