St. Joseph’s Villa: Building Lives with Meaning

Despite having autism, Kiper has a life to lead. Last December, Kiper joined St. Joseph’s Villa’s Career Readiness program to gain independence and job skills. For Kiper’s mom, this means a lot:

More than pay or pay level, we wish him to have fulfilling days outside of the home with work, exercise and friends. He will probably not have a family of his own and he knows that, but we want his life to be meaningful.

When Kiper started the Villa’s Career and Transitional Services program, our aim was for him to be independent in the workplace. The staff at the Villa is positive and they really believe in their students. This was a huge element of success for Kiper, and I believe for all kids. The combination of organized and diverse tasks, positive supports, and professional job-coaching created a formula for Kiper’s success. The difference in his life has been huge. He has seen himself complete tasks, engage in jobs, and increase his focus and independence. He is able to mitigate his anxieties and avoid outbursts that could limit his options for workplace settings. Not only did the Villa’s programs have all the essential elements, but he feels very much at home there.

The Villa’s Career Readiness program helps more than 100 children like Kiper each year. Through this program, many of them are able to work in the community with partners like Old Navy, Positive Vibe Café and Bon Secours—opportunities that otherwise would seem impossible. Kiper’s story is just one of hundreds that could be told. Through individual support and best practice programs, we turn the impossible into the possible because we believe every child deserves a meaningful life. CVC code # 3125.

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