A fundraising effort is underway for a mobile food truck that will help employ people with autism.

The non-profit group Autism Shifts is leading the effort.

"We've talked about having a mobile food truck for a while now," said Autism Shift's founder, Vicky Westra.

Currently, the non-profit runs a coffee shop inside the Mercedes-Benz Dealership along North Dale Mabry Avenue. It's called the Artista's café.

The baristas have each been diagnosed with a form of autism.

"When I started off, I didn't have much work experience, even working with coffee, even working with people," said supervisor of the café Russell Wadsworth.

Wadsworth said working at the café has taught him a lot about himself and other people.

"I love serving coffee to people," he said. "I love putting a smile on their face."

The community has learned a lot as well.

"I think when people come here they don’t really see autism, they just see great guys doing great work," Westra said.

But by the end of November, the café will have to shut down.

The non-profit is hoping to expand its reach by taking the coffee, smoothies and specialty drinks on the road.

"I'm really excited because I see it as a new horizon," Russell said.

It won't be easy. Moving the operation into a sprinter van is estimated to cost $105,000.

The group is launching a social media campaign in November as they search for volunteers, donors, and sponsors. For more information just go to https://www.facebook.com/autismshifts.org/

The Mercedes-Benz Dealership, State Farm and BetaCam have already signed on for sponsorships.