History
Founded in 2017 by long‑time friends Xavier Pinto and Neil Forester, Substance Cares began with a shared commitment to creating meaningful change within marginalized communities. Through their volunteer work at local food banks and women’s shelters, Xavier and Neil witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers many individuals face in accessing equitable opportunities. Recognizing the need for more inclusive, innovative solutions, they set out to build programs that go beyond short‑term support and foster lasting social and economic inclusion.

This vision gave rise to Substance Cares’ two foundational programs:

Spectrum Works — the world’s first and largest job fairs dedicated to connecting Autistic job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities, challenging traditional hiring practices through inclusive and strengths‑based approaches.

DanceABLE (now InclusiV) — the world’s largest outdoor patio event designed to celebrate and include people of all abilities, creating welcoming social spaces rooted in accessibility, dignity, and community.

These pioneering programs reflect the core mission of Substance Cares: delivering compassion‑centered, innovative initiatives that empower individuals, raise awareness, and create tangible pathways to inclusion. Today, Substance Cares continues to build on this foundation—developing programs that promote equity, elevate marginalized voices, and help individuals thrive within inclusive and resilient communities.