WAUSAU — Adaptive Communities, Inc. will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony in mid March to celebrate the opening of the organization.
This event is open to the public and will be held at noon on March 20 at 518 S. 17th Ave., according to a Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce news release. An open house will be held until 1 p.m.
Adaptive Communities is a nonprofit social activity center for special needs adults.
Adaptive Communities Founder and Director Katie Normand, who spent years working in special education at local schools, saw firsthand the difference special education can make in the lives of children with special needs, but soon realized that there were few outlets for a social life once the children left school.
“I realized there was really nothing for these kids once they were out of the school system,” Normand has said.
Adaptive Communities operates in a space formerly occupied by Blockbuster Video and will offer activities and learning experiences for up to 50 adults with special needs.
Trained staff will work with members and help them better integrate to the Wausau community. Among the activities planned: fitness classes, cooking classes that emphasize independent life skills, classes on how to manage money, outings to coffee shops, shopping trips to farmers markets, and gardening adventures.
“Our goal is to make our hometown feel like everyone’s hometown, working together to adapt to all,” Normand has said. “Teaching life skills, experiencing new hobbies, community activities along with a fun hang out for adults with special needs. A place loved ones feel comfortable having their family members go, a place that is theirs.”
For more information on Adaptive Communities, call 715-571-0040.
