When Missouri’s Department of Mental Health enacted a waiver waitlist in July 2024, many young adults with disabilities and their families were left in limbo. For those who had looked forward to beginning day habilitation services after high school graduation, plans were suddenly put on hold. That’s when Community Living saw an opportunity and jumped into action, launching the Young Adult Program Prep Academy (YAP Prep Academy).

“The YAP Prep Academy allows for those on the waitlist to participate in activities while awaiting funding for services,” explained Jenn, Director of Support Services for Adults.

What is YAP Prep Academy?

The YAP Prep Academy was designed to keep young adults engaged, connected, and having fun, while also offering a sneak peek at what’s to come in the full Young Adult Program. It’s a series of self-pay recreation and learning sessions offered monthly for individuals on the YAP waitlist. The group met monthly on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the last scheduled session held on May 21.

What’s a Day at Prep Academy Like?

Each session includes on-site activities like games, crafts, projects, and social time. It’s also a chance for participants to build relationships, explore interests, and gain confidence. Plus, current YAP participants from our St. Charles location join in to help welcome and connect with new attendees.

Staff also benefit by getting to know future program participants, their support needs, personalities, and goals well before official intakes and transitions. Sara Klopstein, SSA Engagement and Intake Coordinator, brings energy and heart to every session. “My role in YAP Prep Academy is to bring the party. We create an itinerary full of curriculum lessons, social games, learning activities, and dance parties!” “Watching these guys interact with each other is what I enjoy most. They are always so helpful and kind to one another!”

What Participants and Families Are Saying

Participants and families are feeling the magic of Prep Academy. Here’s just a bit of the positive feedback they’ve shared:

A participant’s mom was tearing up while saying, “Since he has been coming these 2 times, he has opened up more to me and my husband. Thank you!”

One of the young adults was asked if she liked coming to Prep Academy and she said, “I love it here. I can’t wait until I can come every day!”

When Sara sent photos to one of the young adult’s grandmas and said, “I hope he had fun today!” She responded, “Yes! He did, he’s always looking forward to coming!”

While making tacos, one of the participants exclaimed, “I love my new school!”

What’s Next?

The future of the Prep Academy is still being evaluated. With Missouri’s funding waitlist beginning to lift, our YAP Prep Academy participants are now preparing to transition into the Young Adult Program.

“We are assessing the need for continuing YAP Prep into the summer of 2025,” said Jenn. “We may not have a need or space to continue YAP Prep Academy, but are evaluating this as we manage those coming off the waitlist.”

One thing is certain; the impact is real.

“I feel like the Young Adult Prep Academy has really brought these guys out of their comfort zone and has helped them feel they can be just who they are,” Sara said. “In three short sessions, we’ve already seen so much progress as far as social interactions go. I’m so excited for their future and to watch them all grow!”

Stay Tuned

As we continue supporting young adults through every step of their transition to adulthood, we’re thrilled about what’s ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on the expansion of our Young Adult Program, including the opening of our brand-new location in June 2025!