Building Skills, Empowering People
Project Next, reflects our dedication to inclusivity and empowerment. This program provides a balanced curriculum that covers job training, life skills development, self-care practices, self-advocacy skills, and recreational options. Through Project Next, we strive to offer individuals with autism the tools they need to confidently embrace adulthood. Our emphasis on a holistic approach has allowed us to create a program that supports and impacts personal growth and independence, shaping a more fulfilling path forward.
Our trainees in Project Next have the unique opportunity to delve into potential career pathways within our local community. As part of our commitment to fostering growth and independence, we’ve established enriching partnerships with community enterprises, including Duffy’s Sports Grill, The Outback Steakhouse, Kolter Hospitality/Hyatt Place, Wycliffe Country Club, and Barnes & Noble.
Through these collaborations, our young adults access comprehensive job training experiences, guided by job coaches. Trainees immerse themselves in real-world work environments and acquire effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, soft skills, and a newfound confidence that paves the way for a fulfilling future.
Embedded within our campus, Project Next has a comprehensive program that focuses on essential life skills, self-care, and experiential learning through micro-enterprises. As part of this initiative, students engage in activities such as managing our e-commerce venture, Exit 8480 – a gift box business that offers practical entrepreneurial experience. Our campus is equipped with a commercial kitchen and full-service cafe, Café Next, providing hands-on opportunities for students to develop practical skills. Students have access to a mock hotel room featuring a commercial washer and dryer facilitates practice sessions, enabling students to gain confidence before potentially joining the team at Hyatt Hotels. Project Next brings a practical dimension to learning, enabling students to thrive in real-world settings and fostering their journey toward independence.
Within Project Next, our recreation and leisure component is a vital thread in fostering independence among young adults. Seamlessly integrated into the program, this component encompasses a variety of essential life skills. Through engaging (CBI) Community-Based Instruction, our participants learn to navigate their community. From travel training to navigating a grocery store and even ordering in a restaurant, our young adults acquire practical skills that empower them to embrace the world around them. Participants learn ways to socialize, relax, explore avenues for recreation, and gain budgeting skills. We also invite Experts in Residence volunteers to teach a skill they want to share. This comprehensive approach equips our young adults for the future, promoting both independence and active engagement in their community.