New Focus: Transition-Age Youth

On May 1st, we kicked off our new Young Adult Initiative

On May 1st, we kicked off our new Young Adult Initiative, thanks to the generous support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. The Academy aims to create a bridge to the future for young adults, ages 18 – 25 years old, who are pursuing mental health recovery. This new initiative will support young adults in their transition from high school to careers and/or post-secondary education.

Thanks to the invitation of Sonia Figaredo-Alberts, Director of Pupil Support Services of Sarasota County, the Academy presented to an audience of 65 attendees at the May meeting of the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Liaisons. Community Liaison, Jeffrey Jean, was joined by Academy member, Chantel Gingerich (pictured above).

Jeff and Chantel presented a video created by our Multimedia Team, discussed eligibility criteria and outlined the referral process. ESE Liaisons were particularly interested in training opportunities for graduating seniors, including future employment opportunities for their students. The Academy will be following up with the ESE Liaisons in the fall, at the start of the next academic year.