Pine Castle, one of Northeast Florida's leading agencies that services adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs), recently announced that with its new capacity study complete, that there are openings for an additional 200 new participants to enroll in its Academy Pathways Day Program at their 10-acre, college-like campus on Spring Park Road.
“We are thrilled that our new capacity study will allow us to serve more adults with I/DDs through our ground-breaking curriculum that has earned the 2023 Innovation Award from the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities,” said Lori Ann Whittington, chief executive officer.
Pine Castle offers its participants two pathways within their academy to pursue their individual talents and interests: the Pathway to Life Enrichment and the Pathway to Community Employment. Upon enrollment, each participant receives a customized curriculum based on their personal choices, providing a college-like experience. Each participant has an individualized daily schedule that includes time for skill-building within their Pathways curriculum, their choice of extracurricular activities like band, chorus, Special Olympics, etc., as well as options for mental health services and working time if they are in the Employment Pathway.
The academy has two semesters per year, and participants can choose different courses or extracurricular activities each semester. Both pathways include weekly field trips into the community for up to 10 participants at a time in a small group setting.
On the Life Enrichment Pathway, participants focus on developing the life skills necessary to increase overall independence and quality of life through hands-on learning experiences. Pine Castle’s direct support professionals provide education on topics that provide hands-on learning and help participants practice skills that reinforce concepts learned in their curriculum.
On the Employment Pathway, participants earn at least minimum wage while working on job training skills and contracts. On-campus opportunities include manufacturing assembly, the wood shop and trade crew training in culinary, janitorial or maintenance. Upon completion of the Employment Pathway, participants receive guidance from a job coach to help them secure employment in the community and ultimately achieve greater independence.
“Our support is provided by highly trained support personnel, with many having earned their ‘DSP Pro’ certification through a year-long training program. Pine Castle is one of only three providers in the state that offer this intensive training for our staff,” said Cynica Jackson, chief programs officer. “Combining that with our world-class services and newly renovated campus Pine Castle offers a unique, meaningful experience to those adults with IDDs.”
The academy runs like a college program with a set monthly tuition. A variety of payment options are available to accommodate the diverse needs of the community, including paying privately. Additionally, Pine Castle helps guide families in accessing federal and state resources such as Social Security benefits, Medicaid and other disability-related programs to help cover the cost of tuition through two Cornell University-certified benefits counselors on staff.
To access the admissions packet or for more information about the admission process, go to pinecastle.org/admissions or call 904-733-2650.
