The Free N Deed Market team had a request: send more iCan Dream students their way.

That request began with one young man who looks forward to coming to his internship and takes his responsibilities seriously.

One of those responsibilities is stocking the shelves.

He makes sure food is organized and ready for the families who depend on the market. Each task gives him practice in organization, attention to detail, and completing work carefully and consistently. Working alongside the team also helps him strengthen his focus, follow-through, and reliability.

For him, these are opportunities to take responsibility and feel proud of what he accomplishes. For the market, his effort contributes to the work of serving its community.

The staff noticed. They were so impressed by his work ethic that they asked iCan Dream to send more students their way.

He came to stock shelves. His work is helping open doors for the students coming behind him.

His story is part of Free N Deed Market’s larger commitment to the community. A program of the American Association of Single Parents, the market offers families facing food insecurity a free grocery shopping experience centered on dignity. It serves Dolton, Calumet City, and surrounding communities, with a mission that includes emergency groceries and nutritional education through cooking demonstrations and classes. Partnerships with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Midwest Food Bank help provide quality food.

Under the leadership of founder Dr. Nicole Scott, the market extends that care to the iCan Dream Center community. Alongside hands-on internship opportunities, Free N Deed Market provides food directly to our interns and their families when they need additional support.

This partnership recognizes both what young people can contribute and the support they may need as they work toward greater independence.

For this young man, it has created a place where he can build skills, help others, and know that his work has value. The team’s request for more interns shows how one student’s dedication can help a partnership grow.

Watch the story come to life.

Learn more about Free N Deed Market and its community mission.

On October 23, 2026, iCan Dream will celebrate organizations and businesses making these experiences possible at our Worksite Partnership Luncheon. The gathering will recognize their contributions and help build more opportunities for neurodiverse young people in the workplace.

We are grateful to Dr. Nicole Scott and the Free N Deed Market team for welcoming our interns, recognizing their abilities, supporting our families, and continuing to create Room to Dream.

If your business or organization is interested in becoming an iCan Dream Center worksite partner, contact Dr. Michae’ Wiley, Director of Career Pathways and Partnerships, at (708) 955-7511.