For many people, the transition to independence and the working world includes a college experience. Living in a dorm or off-campus apartment means learning to navigate relationships with roommates, manage your money, and develop skills of daily living.
For young people with Autism and developmental disabilities, this experience can be out of reach, but Howard Center’s SUCCEED program enables Vermonters between 18 and 25 to have the college experience through supported living within walking distance or a bus ride from some of the state’s most active campuses.
Located in Burlington alongside other student housing, the program occupies two multi-bedroom houses able to accommodate up to 14 students. Residents come from all over the state for a typical stay of 2-3 years during which they take classes, get jobs, participate in college clubs and activities, and build skills they’ll need for independent living. All are part-time students with recent residents attending UVM, Champlain College, CCV, and VSU.
One of SUCCEED program’s multi-bedroom homes, located in Burlington.
“We’re emersed in the college experience here,” said Mark Prior, manager of the program. “We’re surrounded by other student housing, so the neighborhood has that college feel and our houses don’t have any Howard Center signs, so we blend in.”
Prior enjoys seeing students grow into independent adults during their time in the program. “Students come here as high school graduates, most living away from home for the first time. We empower them to do things for themselves, and it’s amazing to see them adapt and thrive. They divide up household chores, organize social activities, and keep on top of their school assignments. It’s all about experiential learning and problem solving.”
Students practice skills important to living independently, such as grocery shopping, cooking meals, and cleaning up.
The program accepts applications between October and March and Prior encourages anyone who might be interested to schedule a visit before submitting an application. “Families and students usually find it helpful to visit the houses, meet the staff, and get a sense of the program before they apply. We’re always happy to do tours to help students decide if this is right for them,” said Prior.
Building social connections is part of the program and summer barbeques give students and families chances to get to know each other before moving in each August. Parent orientations over the summer provide additional opportunities to address questions and concerns. “Coming to SUCCEED is a big change for our students,” said Prior, “we do everything we can to smooth the transition and make sure students and their families feel well informed and excited about the experience.”
SUCCEED is funded through the Medicaid waiver and most students stay engaged with Howard Center services after graduating from the program.
Comforting shared spaces such as this living room are used for socializing, entertainment, and schoolwork help give students an immersive and familiar experience to college and post-graduate life.
One of Prior’s favorite things is seeing program graduates thriving around town. “Burlington offers jobs and good public transportation so lots of our students decide to live here after leaving the program. We invite them back for summer picnics and I run into people all the time. It’s great to see them doing well. That’s what we specialize in – our students are motivated to move on to independent living.”