For more than five decades, ALULA has created pathways to employment for people with disabilities across Western North Carolina. Now, through a strategic partnership with Melwood Community Services (MCS), ALULA is expanding its capacity to serve even more people through the expansion of the MCS abilIT program, which prepares neurodivergent adults for careers in technology and IT.
As one of the largest employers in Transylvania County and a longtime champion of equitable wages, ALULA sees the abilIT program as a natural extension of its mission.
“We’ve always believed in meeting people where they are,” said Jeff Luttrell, Director of People and Culture at ALULA. “Not everyone thrives in a manufacturing environment. With Melwood’s support, we can now open new doors for those whose strengths align with technology and innovation.”
The partnership represents far more than program replication — it’s a shared investment in resources, training, and expertise that will strengthen ALULA’s long-term impact.
Lutrell explains how Melwood has been instrumental in helping ALULA staff feel confident that the endeavor will be successful.
“Melwood has been a true partner from the very beginning. They’ve guided us step-by-step — from planning and funding to hiring and training. Their team’s knowledge and experience helped us build confidence in launching something completely new.”
Through established model, ALULA gains access to a comprehensive training curriculum, staff development, and ongoing mentorship to ensure the program’s success. Melwood’s support helped ALULA secure board funding, evaluate candidates, and structure the program in a way that meets both organizational and community needs.
“The expertise MCS offers has been invaluable,” Luttrell says. “They’ve shared what worked, what didn’t, and how to adapt it to our local context. It’s been a genuine partnership built on learning and trust.”
This collaboration also gives ALULA staff access to a national network of professionals working toward similar goals — something Luttrell describes as both encouraging and energizing. “It’s amazing to have partners who understand the challenges and share the same mission,” he adds. “And it’s always done with warmth and enthusiasm.”
Through this partnership, ALULA is not only expanding opportunity — it’s building capacity, confidence, and connection through collaboration rooted in shared purpose.
