Transition Program Now Accepting Referrals

Not even a flood in Evanston could stop us from moving forward with our Transition Program for young adults. Against all odds, crews worked around the clock for several weeks to put our Evanston facility back together again. Although there is still much work to be done and your support is still needed, we are so grateful to everyone who has donated funds to the cause and volunteered their time to assist in the clean-up efforts and re-organization. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful community of supporters!

We are now getting ready to open our new Transition Program for young adults, ages 18-22. This program is a privately operated, state-approved education facility designed to provide educational services to assist students with autism in making a successful transition from high school to adult employment and independent living. Professionals at Have Dreams have developed extensive partnerships with professionals in the field and key local business enterprises. The facility in Evanston includes three classroom spaces, two kitchens, a fitness area, computer lab, laundry facilities, and a vocational training area so the students can learn and practice a variety of daily living skills. Have Dreams has also partnered with Walgreens to open a retail training facility at the Evanston site. In addition, students will have other job experience opportunities through the Metropolitan YMCA of Chicago, Healthy Kids Lunches, local libraries and other businesses in the community.

The key to the program is to build a support system to help each student develop the skills they need to live more independently and guide them towards meaningful job opportunities. High schools have the option of placing students at Have Dreams for their transition services if the student's IEP team determines the program is needed to meet the unique needs of that individual. If you would like more information about this program, please contact Tom Dempsey, Administrator, at 847-905-0702, ext. 229, or tdempsey@havedreams.org .