Young Adult Program
Preparing for Life Beyond School
Our Young Adult Program is designed for students ages 18-21 who are seeking to move into adulthood prepared to live more independently, navigate their community, and gain competitive employment.
About the Program
Madonna’s Young Adult Program is designed for students preparing for an adulthood of independence. Here, young adults advance their daily life skills and employment readiness while advancing their personal autonomy and building positive relationships.
Hands-on learning advances young adults through five core domains: Functional academics, independent living, career/vocational training, community integration, and recreation/leisure. The program provides the tools and support students need to thrive beyond the school doors.
Building Skills for Independence
Independent living skills are at the core of our Young Adult Program. Students participate in hands-on experiences that prepare them to maximize their autonomy and independent decision-making.
Cooking, Nutrition, and Meal Planning.
Budgeting and Money Management.
Time Management and Organization.
Building Positive, Socially Appropriate Relationships.
Navigating Transportation and Community Settings.
Exploring and Developing Personal Interests, Skills, and Hobbies.
Career Exploration and Employment Readiness
Preparing for meaningful employment is a key goal of the Young Adult Program. Students explore their interests and develop the skills needed for success in the competitive workplace.
Highlights Include:
- Soft skills development (executive skills, communication, teamwork, problem-solving)
- Interest inventories, job discovery & shadowing, and job search skills
- Site Visits to Madonna participants competitively employed at over 80 Omaha area businesses
- On campus work activities include producing Madonna Coffee and preparing lunches for the homeless (in partnership with Siena Francis House)
- On site work training at businesses across the metro including our strong partnership with CHI Bergan Mercy
- Opportunity to apply for Madonna Summer Internship program and Madonna Project SEARCH!
Faith and Personal Growth
Rooted in Catholic values and tradition, students are invited to continue to develop their faith and spirituality through daily prayer & meditation, weekly Mass, partnership with the Sisters of Mercy, and community service through partnerships with Siena Francis House, CHI Bergan Mercy, KVSS Spirit Catholic Radio, and many more!
Family Support and Partnership
Transitioning into adulthood can be a complex journey. Our Navigation Services provide parents and guardians the support and guidance they need to access key resources for their loved one, including Medicaid, SSI, Nebraska VR, and Nebraska DD.
A Pathway Forward
Madonna Young Adult Program students are eligible to competitively apply for Madonna's Project SEARCH, a nationally recognized internship-to-employment program. Others pursue employment, day, or residential supports through Madonna’s adult services. While others are ready to live and work independently. No matter the path, we walk with each young adult and family every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of our most common special education questions.
What Is a Typical Day in the Madonna Young Adult Program?
- Madonna's Young Adult Program follows a traditional school calendar, from August to May, with days running from 8:10 AM to 3:15 PM.
- Students gather in the morning for daily schedules and functional academics and then split into small groups throughout the day for learning activities such as lunch preparation, grocery shopping, daily life skills, on campus volunteer jobs, YMCA exercise, and community work groups.
- Students also participate in traditional specials such as Art, Music, and PE classes.
How Do We Serve Young Adults?
- Madonna serves young adults in a variety of settings: classroom, kitchen, community, work, and more.
- Services for each young adult are documented in their Individual Transition Plan (ITP). The ITP is developed collaboratively with special educators, related service providers, and each family, resulting in a unique set of student goals and interventions.
- A student’s ITP goals help set each student up for future success in home living, community inclusion, and employment. The ITP also sets minutes for related-services such as Speech, OT, PT, Psych, etc.
Who Do We Serve?
- Madonna supports students with mild to moderate IDD & ASD who thrive in small group and whole group learning environments.
- Though each student Madonna serves requires some 1:1 support each week, Madonna is not resourced to support students who require consistent and ongoing 1:1 support due to behavioral or health needs.
- The program serves students privately placed by their families, as well as students contracted into Madonna's services by their local public school district. Madonna is an approved SPED Service Provider with the Nebraska Department of Education.
- Interested in our services? Please review our Admissions process.
Take the Next Step...
Madonna’s Young Adult Program is where young adults gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in adulthood.