Center of Hope receives $9,000 grant from William S. Howard Charitable Trust

Barbara Olson Center of Hope is proud to announce it has received a $9,000 grant from the William S. Howard Charitable Trust for its Bridges to the Future transitions program.

Bridges to the Future is a program at Barbara Olson Center of Hope that provides student transition services (support, education, resources, etc.) to individuals, their families, and professionals in Winnebago County. The program was developed in response to several agencies working together (Intersect for Abilities) to identify effective ways to better serve individuals who have developmental disabilities. The program starts working with students at age 14 with the goal for each of these students to learn the skills to successfully be self-sufficient, graduation ready to be integrated into the community, leading to possible employment.

“The Bridges program provides information to families who have children that will be aging out of the school system and need to be informed of their choices. Staff attend IEP meetings, assist in enrolling in all of the state funding and the PUNS enrollment for preparation when they graduate high school, said Pam Carey, executive director.

She went on to say, “There are many families who do not know where to turn or have access to know what comes after high school for their son or daughter with special needs. It is essential they know all of their options.”

For more information about Bridges to the Future contact Sophie Gaziano at 815.964.9275.