A word from our sponsors: Matthias Academy forming to serve adults with disabilities with a new day program experience

Note: This is a paid announcement by Matthias Academy. — DH

A new type of day program for adults with disabilities is forming in Bristol.

The program, called Matthias Academy,  will provide a community college like setting where adults work, take classes, socialize and exercise, explained Elizabeth Pumala, the organization’s president and founder. The classes and jobs will be tailored to all different learning and experience levels. Community involvement through local volunteers and local college students will be highly encouraged and welcomed. The Matthias Academy campus hopes to one day have a bakery, thrift store and garden center to bring community members onto the campus.

The board of director’s for Matthias Acadamy is: Marjorie Pietras-Jacobi, Rebecca Burke, Andy Boncher, Kari Cowart, Eileen Bonner and Pumala. Each has either a teaching or business background.

Pumala has taught students ages 3-22 with severe, profound medical needs for 16 years.

“I watched too many students graduate at the ages of 21 and 22 and just go home,” Pumala said. “This is the age when their whole future should be so bright and full of opportunities.”

Matthias Academy is in the very beginning stages, Pumala said.

“We have established a board of directors and a 501c3 status with the IRS,” Pumala said. “Our first large step is a parent information meeting in January to get an idea of how many parents are vested and committed to this project. There will be fundraising requirements for families and a building campaign is our first large fundraiser.”

The parent information meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kenosha County Center in Bristol. Please RSVP to thematthiasacademy@gmail.com the number of attendees. The meeting is strictly for parents or guardians of possible clients.

Such a program is needed in the area as local day programs in the area all have waiting lists, and most will not accept clients with behavioral or medical needs, Pumala said.

“With the rate of Autism growing each year, the need is very here and will only become greater throughout the coming years,” Pumala said.

More information about Matthias Academy is available at their website and at the Facebook page.

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