USA (MNN) ― The transition to adulthood is a difficult one. When you add the challenges faced by teens with developmental disabilities, that process becomes even more pronounced.
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition notes that "young people with disabilities need a support system that recognizes their individual strengths, interests, fears, and dreams and allows them to take charge of their future."
Michael Lowstetter with Shepherd's Ministries says that's why Shepherds College was founded. "This is a fairly new concept, but yet, one that solves a really big problem in the area of transition from high school and potentially living with mom and dad, out to the work force and living in the community."
It's a three-year program for young people with developmental disabilities, and it's growing. Students can pursue either culinary arts or horticulture.
For example, in the Culinary Arts major, students learn about a wide variety of food service occupations from fast food to catering. Course work will include culinary skills, institutional cooking, fast food, sanitation and nutrition.
Horticulture majors will learn floral design, landscaping, nursery and garden operations, equipment maintenance, green house plant production and work safety precautions.
As part of their training, Shepherds College includes a Life Skills curriculum. This provides students educational opportunities that have a strong Biblical emphasis. Young people learn how to prepare meals, shop for groceries while maintaining a budget, care for clothing, maintain a clean apartment, and practice personal care, health, and safety skills.
Because a program like this is rare, there's a lot of interest in it. In the two years since Shepherds College launched, Lowstetter says they have two years' worth of students, and they're looking at a third year coming in August.
While that's a good thing, it requires more space. Lowstetter explains, "We're going to be outgrowing that with this recruiting class. So, we're in the process of building two single-story 3,000-square-foot residential facilities for the incoming class."
Students at Shepherds College have many chances to discover the God that has designed them and to investigate the specific purpose He has for them.
Each semester, there are classes centered on the Bible and its practical application. Weekly chapel services and meetings with a spiritual mentor will also be part of the Shepherds College program. In addition, students will be encouraged to attend a local church and actively participate in the church.
More than a $1.5 million dollar investment, it's about relationship with Christ and discipleship. Lowstetter says, "It doesn't all come from our faculty and staff. We've started seeing college students interacting and sharing and working to help grow other college students."
