It is bittersweet when we have to say goodbye to one of our own. Whether it’s a member or staff, the Academy culture supports and celebrates when someone is ready to move on, even when it leaves a hole in our community. The very nature of our program is to provide opportunities for growth and increased autonomy, so when someone leaves our community for a bigger better life, we count that as a win. 

We can’t wait to hear about Kristen’s job as a dietary aide, and her brave new independent life in South Dakota! We are all grateful for the time she spent with us. Near or far, we will always be her community.

Thank you Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation for funding our young adult initiative.

Pictured are some of the members and staff celebrating with Kristen (seated). (left to right) William McKeever, Nicole Pendelton, Ian Churchill, Kevin Luckner, Patty Haltinner, Kevin Geyer, Chanaka Weerasinghe, Ben Burnside and Idanes Paredes.

One of our newest members, Terrell Henry (you may remember him from a recent post about his role in the telethon) had this to say:

“I’m really glad the Academy is open because it allows me to stay active from morning to afternoon, and that way I can use the other half of my day to work on my personal goals. It’s also a place where I chase other real-world skills.”