Day center for special needs adults opening in the Ranchos

With the job market tighter than ever, a Gardnerville couple is trying to help special needs adults find their niche in society.

"I always look at every client and what kind of mindset they have," said Gardnerville resident Sandy Haugen-Keck. "I know there is more in there, untapped potential, and they need to be challenged more."

Haugen-Keck and husband Tom Keck are opening the Haugen & Keck Inc. Transition Training Program in the Gardnerville Ranchos to offer daytime skill development, socialization and job readiness, among other training, for developmentally challenged adults ages 18-42.

"Our goal is to enhance skills in a supportive setting, so that our clients can be productive," Haugen-Keck said. "It enhances their quality of life, so they're not sitting at home doing nothing."

The couple moved to Carson Valley in 2002 after long careers in Santa Cruz, Calif. Haugen-Keck has more than 25 years experience in public service and rehabilitation services at private nonprofits and public agencies, while Keck has spent nearly half a century working in various coaching and mentoring positions.

For the last eight years, the two have been employment consultants for the state of Nevada, helping special needs clients develop the vocational skills necessary to find jobs.

However, perhaps their greatest experience has come from caring for their developmentally challenged son (Keck's stepson), Dean Miley, a kitchen helper and dishwasher at Sharkey's Casino who passed away last year.

"We brought a lot of his stuff in here to pass it along," Haugen-Keck said, pointing out Miley's wolf figurine collection in the new facility. "We do it in his memory."

Haugen-Keck said when the family moved to Nevada, they struggled to find the right transitional program for their son. He'd always been productive in California, and Haugen-Keck was determined to find him a job in the Silver State.

"Sharkey's changed him for the good, just being around people," she said. "People met him and realized he did have these capabilities."

Haugen-Keck said her new center is a way to pay it forward.

"We know there's an unmet need here because we get calls all the time," she said. "Just because Dean's gone, our passion for doing this hasn't gone away."

Keck said while trying to place a client, he found a dishwashing position in the Valley with 53 applicants, including seven with bachelor's degrees and one with a master's degree.

"But while others will use it as a stopping point, one of our clients would work there for 10 years," Haugen-Keck said.

Despite limited job opportunities, the couple is confident their program will help clients live more fulfilling lives, even if it means volunteering.

"We're always looking for volunteer opportunities, where our clients can gain new skills," Keck said. "That's really the next step to getting a job."

Local thrift stores and museums are just some of the place that give special needs adults the opportunity to contribute, Haugen-Keck said.

"Our intent is to approach businesses here and see if some are interested in doing job training," she said. "We think the least restrictive environment is best for the client."

Spread across two suites in the Tillman Center, the new transitional program runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The facility houses a Wii video game system, a video library, an art room, two computer stations and two listening stations. The work center consists of small assembly exercises and other activities where clients can test their dexterity and productivity level while honing their motor skills.

"Our clients' ability to acclimate to a new environment is a big challenge," Haugen-Keck said. "But our clients are very capable of doing things."

"Once you work with our clientele, it's amazing to see it," added Keck. "A lot of people don't see growth in their work. We do, and that's the joy of it."

The transition center, slated to open July 6, currently has 12 clients lined up. The couple hopes to get that number closer to 18 in the future.

"It's not work to us," Haugen-Keck said. "It's a passion. This is the little business that grew, but it's still a mom-and-pop shop, and we don't want to get too big."

The new center is located at 1281 Kimmerling Road, suite A-15. For more information, call 782-7019.

An open house is 10 a.m. to noon Friday.