Discover: RavenRook Publishing

Capitalizing on the resurgence of tabletop roleplaying games, RavenRook Publishing has found a unique niche. They publish The Rook & The Raven, which crafts high quality disc-bound gaming notebooks specifically designed with these games in mind. The Evanston-based business got its start in an incubator space at Industrious Evanston, and has recently moved to their own space located at 828 Davis. Offering a wide variety of products, including highly customizable diaries and planners, this is the perfect destination to meet your gaming journal needs.

Notably, while still at Industrious, RavenRook began working with the Have Dreams Academy program, an intensive workforce training program for young adults with high functioning autism. The goal of this program is competitive, inclusive employment achieved through autism specific job readiness curriculum, internships with Evanston businesses, as well as job development, placement, and follow-on services. With the repetitive nature of many of its assembly and packaging processes, RavenRook proved to be a great fit for individuals on the spectrum. In September 2018, RavenRook owner Deja Augustine welcomed two participants from the Have Dreams workforce training program. One was a recent graduate who completed a one-month trial before being hired, while the other was a current participant in the program and was hired after a four-month internship. Deja has also recently hired a third Have Dreams graduate.

The Have Dreams graduates were among the first hires of RavenRook’s growing small business and have had the opportunity to contribute to the business’ success and growth. Throughout the training period and transition to employment, Have Dreams staff was on-site providing support to ensure success for both the employee and the company. This ongoing partnership is a great example of inclusive employment and we are thrilled to have them as part of the Evanston community!Add paragraph text here.