MEET THE FAMILY
Different Is The New Cool was birthed because of our oldest son, Dale. Dale was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 5. He’s quirky, loses focus, and emotionally and socially awkward. He’s also intelligent, funny, creative, and kind. Everyone doesn’t “get” him. As a parent, you always want your child to be accepted by their peers, but it’s not always the case. I will never forget when Dale was in Kindergarten; one of his classmates walked up to me and said, “Dale is my friend. He’s a little bit crazy, but a lot good! That statement warmed my heart! We’ve always instilled in Dale that his diagnosis does not define him. We wanted to create a movement to inspire and celebrate young people like Dale!
MISSION
The mission of Different is the New Cool is to inspire and celebrate young people with special needs. We encourage those considered quirky, strange, or odd to pursue their dreams boldly. This is done through the creation of a trendy clothing line and the sharing of our story. Regardless of your diagnosis, we believe you are not defined by it. We are all different. We are all cool.
CORE VALUES
Different Is The New Cool is a family-based business geared toward the advancement of young people with disabilities. We are based on the Core Values:
• Inspire – We believe your diagnosis does not define you. We believe we can do all things through Christ, which strengthens us. Philippians 4:13
• Collaboration – We believe it takes a village to be successful. We are a family-based business that also connects with non-profit organizations that support the needs of young people with special needs.
• Inclusion – We believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table. Our goal is to assist in the fight for inclusion or to assist in helping you build your own table.
• Self-Confidence - We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. We believe that your self-confidence will soar by fully embracing who you are.
• Service – We believe in giving back. We are dedicated to community service and donating to non-profit organizations that support young people with special needs.