PENNEY FARMS—After moving three times in the past eight years, the Wolf Community Transition Program at Penney Retirement Community finally has a place to call home.

The Clay County District Schools program assists young adults with disabilities in transitioning from school to the workplace and adulthood. Participants receive specialized support, work-based learning experiences, interaction with the community, skills development, collaboration and professional development.

And from now on, they don’t have to worry about moving.

The retirement community offered spaces for their classroom until the room became too small for their needs, or Penney Farms needed the space for a project. When it became apparent they would move again last spring, retirement community CEO Teresa Scott got the school district to provide a portable.

That was the easiest part. She still needed approval from the Penney Farms Town Council and retirement community residents. She also needed about $10,000 for the permits and costs of moving and installing it. She said everyone eagerly supported it.

“We were able to get people in the community to donate their time to move it,” Scott said. “It would have cost probably $10,000 just to move the building, and that was all done free. We have some contractors that work out here at Penney – electricians, plumbers, excavating – all these folks came together and donated their time to get the building up and running by the time school started. We got the building in April or May and wanted it to be ready by school.”

The students work around the community in the dining hall, housekeeping, library, gardening and greeting guests as ambassadors. They must wear proper work clothes, be on time like an employee and continue their education. They are eligible to stay in the program until they are 22.

“It’s real life,” said Lead Instructor Tami Cox. “We try to mimic a real job and have a pretty good lunch. The dress, you know, we have a dress code. They have to call or text me if they’re out or inform you in advance every time. There’s no pay, of course, but they need to get a job and hopefully keep a good job.

“We have a combination of practical experiences and lectures, so we’re in a classroom, but very minimal time in the classroom. It’s necessary to be a great worker in the community.”

The students said they enjoy the opportunity to be self-efficient.

“I love this class. It’s amazing. I love the teachers here,” said Megan Register, who is in her first year with Wolf. “They are really helpful. They make me feel like I can do anything and try my best. I can also learn more skills than I did during school. I feel comfortable in what I did in school, too.”

Several residents have come to like the students. They see them during the week around the campus, and they appreciate their work ethic and optimistic outlook. Since the group had a permanent home, one couple provided a cornhole game. Another built a picnic table for the group.

“This is your home, and hopefully, it will be for a long time,” Scott said. “It’s such a great program. Our residents love working with all the students, teachers, coaches, and employees. You’re part of our family.”