Woodlawn Community Academy Inc

Our goal is that all of our students find a calling or career that will give them independence, a supportive community and a sense of purpose.  We believe that employment (or vocational training) in a safe, sheltered environment will allow people with Asperger syndrome, Autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities to explore their unique potential and strengths.

Graduating from High School and deciding what's next is a challenging endeavor for most.  However, imagine how much more difficult that time would be if you didn't consider conventional college or employment an option.  How would you support yourself? Where would you go everyday? What would your purpose be? 

In 2012 we started a program as a response to these questions. All of our high school students are treated as employees of the Swanky Swine and have several job assignments each week.

The employees are taught basic skills including counting money, making change, reading a schedule and recording inventory.   They have to wear a uniform, show up on time for their shifts and work without complaining. They are learning responsibility, cleanliness, customer service skills, social skills and how to handle food. These skills will be a great asset as they finish high school and begin to look for employment.  

Our long term goal is to expand to include a post high school program that will continue to develop job and life skills in a supportive environment.  We hope to develop a catering business that will give our employees a chance to earn an income and be more independent.