Participants in the Partners Across our Community Program learn basic household skills.
The Pipkin Foundation's $25,000 donation has breathed new life into the Partners Across our Community Program, benefiting students aged 18-21 with disabilities, who face challenges in traditional education paths.
Initially established at Douglas High School in the 2019-2020 academic year, the program faced facility limitations. Portable classrooms lacked vital amenities, hindering essential skill training. 'We were using portables as our classroom and skills training lab with no plumbing, no water, and minimal electricity,” said Inclusive Education Executive Director Jeannie Dwyer. “Imagine trying to teach the employees culinary skills with only a water cooler, microwave, and mini oven. Washing hands and dishes was likened to a camping experience. It was quite difficult.”
With the donation, the program moves to the Heritage Building.
“We were able to put in new carpet, cabinetry and countertops, a laundry area with washer and dryer, range, refrigerator, sink area, tables and chairs for the kitchen-restaurant training space, queen size couch-pull out bed for the housekeeping and recreation area, and desks and chairs for the training area,” Dwyer said.
This apartment remodel enhances the program's ability to teach essential life skills.
In the current year, the program has grown to seven employees and two supervisors. In the previous academic year, the program celebrated its first graduate, Edward, who secured a custodian position within the Douglas County School District.
Visit www.dcsd.net/student-life/pac to learn more about the program.
