Grant from Investors Bank Foundation will help nonprofit in development of an adult program
Kingsway Learning Center, with locations in Haddonfield and Moorestown, has been providing for the educational needs of individuals with multiple learning and developmental challenges for 50 years. Originally, the non-profit featured a five-morning per week nursery school program, but in the intervening years, KLC has expanded to serve students through age 21. Now, thanks in part to a grant from Investors Foundation, KLC is embarking on a new mission to continue services for individuals beyond the age of 21.
The Kingsway Learning Center applied for the grant from the Investors Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations that enrich the diverse communities served by Investors Bank.
“Under our expanded mission,” explained KLC Executive Director Christine Robinson, “we would develop an adult program that focuses on vocational supports for adults with developmental disabilities. This program would seek to successfully bridge individuals from their high school years to independent community involvement.”
Robinson said that Kingsway is well positioned to take this next step, having opened a secondary program in 2004, serving students aged 14 to 21. She explained that KLC families begin planning for the transition into young adulthood around the age of 14.
“A quality transition plan assists the student with making a successful transition from school to work, continued education, and/or community living,” said Robinson.
She said the process requires close collaboration between parents, community agencies, adult program providers and potential employers. Currently, this process is facilitated by KLC’s entire educational team and is spearheaded by the school Transition Coordinators. The expansion to an adult program is the next logical step.
“As our students enter adulthood,” said Robinson, “we want to support them in this journey. The donation from Investors Foundation is assisting us in making this dream a reality.”
“Given KLC’s expertise and experience in programming for persons with disabilities,” said Investors Bank Assistant Vice President and Mt. Laurel Branch Manager Pedro Figueroa, “it would seem most beneficial to the students for KLC to continue to serve them beyond their education. Investors is proud to have a hand in making this a reality for KLC and its students, as well as other adults with disabilities.”
Investors Bank Vice President for Business Lending Michael Penk noted that KLC’s 50 years of experience in creating innovative programs able to meet the individual needs of each client makes for a perfect foundation for an adult program. “Investors is committed to the communities we serve, particularly those programs which aid in the education of our children, the enrichment of our communities, and the support of families.”
For more information, visit www.kingswaylearningcenter.org.
