Mahomet-Seymour ATLAS program joined in partnership with the Mahomet Area Youth Club over the summer in order to offer students in the Adult Transition Living & Advocacy Skills program a venue to learn life skills in a “real-life environment.”
The ATLAS program began as the Young Adult Program at Mahomet-Seymour High School seven years ago. Until this year, young adults age 18 to 22 received transitional assistance from school based to adult based services at Mahomet Seymour-High School. But traditional school day limitations put restrictions on students developing the independent living skills they needed.
With the transition to the MAYC clubhouse, nine ATLAS students now work on daily living skills in a “home” atmosphere. A few students have also been matched with jobs outside of the clubhouse.
“The members of our program spend their time as any 18 to 22 year old would,” ATLAS Program Staff Member Connie Hoagland said.
Students learn domestic skills such as laundry, cooking, cleaning, home care and setting. They also learn how to balance a budget through shopping for clubhouse needs within the Mahomet community.
ATLAS program students also take trips to the Stephen’s Family YMCA to swim or take walks along the multi-purpose paths within Champaign County.
“We are trying to facilitate the transition to the appropriate adult services per the individual student needs,” said ATLAS program coordinator Chris Baker.
To learn even more about the ATLAS program, visit their website at http://atlasprogram.weebly.com. The program will host an open house on October 23 from 2 to 6 p.m.
