DENVER — For the Peace and Humanity Smoothie Bus, community is everything. “That is what the Smoothie Bus is all about,” Pos Ryant said. “We all need some sort of network or support system.”
Ryant is a cofounder for Apprentice Peace Youth Organization (AOPYO) and co-creator of Smoothie Bus, a nonprofit, mobile food truck that employs marginalized youth and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to providing employment opportunities, the bus also provides pop-up educational workshops, work experience, and on-site wellness services in the community, at festivals, and schools.
Colorado Voices
Peace and Humanity Smoothie Bus blends different communities
Smoothie Bus helps empower and employ marginalized youth and disabled individuals.
Back in 2018, the Smoothie Bus was originally going to be solely a food truck business, but that all changed when Ryant ran into Mary Medellin Sims, the cofounder and executive director for Guided By Humanity (GBH) — a Denver nonprofit organization offering body-inclusive yoga and wellness.
Ryant and Medellin Sims realized both of their nonprofits, AOPYO and GBH, had similar community goals, but they needed funding. Now, the money obtained from each smoothie sale funds AOPYO and GBH programming, pays Smoothie Bus employees, and keeps the food truck up and running.
“My favorite part about Smoothie Bus is that it helps build community,” Smoothie Bus cofounder Medellin Sims said. “Building community is one of the most important things you can do. Having both youth and folks with disabilities working together is impactful for both communities.”
In addition to building community, the food truck serves nourishing smoothie blends made from locally grown, fresh ingredients.
“My favorite smoothie is called the Fantastic Voyage!” said Jocelyn Roy, a Smoothie Bus employee. The Fantastic Voyage smoothie is a refreshing blend of mango, coconut water, pineapple, and coconut flakes
Roy told Rocky Mountain PBS that she had to overcome many challenges in life because of her disability, but she never let that stop her from striving for success. Roy said a part of her success is working with people at Smoothie Bus.
“I am grateful that I have a big community. The people at Smoothie Bus are like family to me,” Roy said. “Some of my challenges were that people would make fun of how I talk, stare at me or say mean things to me. I mustered up the strength to overcome those insecurities because I didn’t want to stay stuck somewhere that didn’t benefit me or miss out on opportunities.”
