Page 37 - The Edge - Spring 2018

FIRST PLACE TRANSITION ACADEMY will then transition to 29 Palms where they will continue their
transition to greater independence.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 What makes our program work so well, Herron-Valenzuela

occur. Also, our students are integrated into the campus there. says, are the community partners that are part of the
ey have to register for the classes, and their experience is program, from the Foundation for Senior Living to GateWay
just like any other student there. We aim to have our students Community College.
fully integrate into a community.” “At every turn we’re pushing to integrate these individuals
On the weekends, there are planned group and individual into the community, but at the same time looking to our
social activities, including meals out, trips to Arizona community partners to help with that—that’s an integral
Diamondbacks games, and jaunts to the mall. part,” he says. “Our program really thrives because of those
Currently there are 17 students living at First Place community partners.”
Transition Academy, operated by SARRC. ey range in age Eaton, along with nine of her peers, plans to graduate from
from 19-36, although the program is open to those 18-and-up. the two-year program in May. She looks forward to continuing
e students represent a mix of abilities and hometowns— working at the Arizona School Boards Association and plans
while several grew up in the Valley, many arrive from to move into First Place AZ as a resident.
out-of-state to take part in the program, as well. “We look forward to furthering our efforts with current
This summer, the program will undergo an exciting community partners like GWCC and various employments
transition of its own. All rst-year Transition Academy sites, while also collaborating and connecting with new
students will spend year one at SARRC’s sister nonpro t, First ones,” says Herron-Valenzuela. “I also look forward
Place AZ, a new housing and community development for to seeing our graduates live self-determined lives by
individuals with autism and neuro-diverse abilities. Located contributing to and immersing themselves into their
in the heart of Phoenix, students will enjoy their own private chosen communities.”
bedroom in four-bedroom suites, and share common kitchen
and living space. For more information about First Place Transition Academy,
Besides students spending their rst year at First Place, operated by SARRC, contact SARRC at: (602) 340-8717 or
programming will remain consistent. In year two, students sarrc@autismcenter.org

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