Building Bridges to the Future

Six nonprofit agencies have combined their expertise in serving adults with develomental disabilities to form a unique partnership. Seguin Services, Park Lawn Association, Clearbrook, Helping Hand Center, Elim Christian Services and PACTT Learning Center have initiated the Building Bridges to the Future initiative to serve the needs of special education students and their families, as they face the challenges of transitioning successfully from high school to adult services. Through this collaboration, students with developmental disabilities and their families learn what services are available for them as they try to navigate through this difficult period in their lives. Our Building Bridges Transition Outreach Specialist will:

  • Serve as the primary liaison for the program
  • Attend Individual Education Plan meetings as part of each student's interdisciplinary team
  • Work with Special Education department staff to ensure that transition is part of the IEP
  • Develop and maintain linkages between families, Special Education staff, and adult service providers
  • Provide in-service training and coaching sessions for parents, guardians, and students
  • Advocate for and assist in establishing eligibility for community services for students

In addition to providing assistance through our Transition Outreach Specialists, the Building Bridges project now offers, on a limited basis, adult transition experiences to students during spring, summer and holiday breaks. These experiences include vocational training, job trials, basic training in skills of daily living, and various therapeutic activities designed to prepare individuals for their transition to adult services. If you would like further information about the Building Bridges to the Future project, please contact Isaul Castillo, Bilingual Transitional Outreach Specialist, at 708-222-4866 or email Isaul at info@seguin.org.

Building Bridges to the Future Manual

Seguin Receives Donations and Grants to Benefit Building Bridges Program

Jay Jones, VP of Clinical Services (second from left of back row), and Kathy Wissmiller, Employment Marketing Representative (third from left of front row), represented Seguin Services when Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation presented their awardees the 2010 Grants. Seguin received $3000 for its Building Bridges to the Future Program.

Seguin Services received a Matching Challenge Grant of $10,000 from an anonymous Foundation and a $3000 Grant from Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation to benefit our Building Bridges to the Future Program. These dollars will enable us to continue this worthy program helping young adults with developmental disabilities and their families make the transition from high school to adult life.

Building Bridges to the Future Partner Organizations