St. Michael’s Housing in Amagansett will soon be home to a new East End day habilitation program that will offer skill-building, community engagement, vocational support, and health and wellness activities for adults with developmental disabilities.
The board at St. Michael’s gave its approval last week. The program will be the only one of its kind in the area, filling a major gap in services after students age out of the life skills and school-to-work program at East Hampton High School once they turn 22. The closest day habilitation services are currently in Westhampton Beach and Riverhead.
“For many individuals with developmental disabilities, graduating from school represents a sudden and troubling cliff. Once school-based services end, there are often limited or — in many cases — no structured programs available on the East End of Long Island. As a result, adults who are eager to contribute and remain engaged are left without opportunities — impacting not only the individuals but also their families and caregivers. Supporting structured programs would allow for continued learning, vocational skill development, social engagement, and meaningful activities,” said JoAnn Vitale, the operations director of day and community services for Rise Life Services, which would run the program with People’s Arc of Suffolk, utilizing the St. Michael’s community center. They’re currently working on a lease agreement and a potential start date for the program.
Twenty-year-old Austin Miller is approaching the troubling cliff that Ms. Vitale mentioned. He currently participates in the life skills, unified sports, and school-to-work programs at the high school and is arguably the most active member of all three. He plays unified basketball and bowling, staffs the high school stores — Bonac Brew and the Clam Shack — packs bags for meal pickups at the East Hampton Food Pantry, works two days a week at the Amagansett I.G.A., plus he spends Tuesdays at Wittendale’s Florist and Greenhouses and Fridays at Amber Waves Farm. Many of these activities will no longer be available to him in two years without a program like this.
“This program means that once Austin ages out of high school, he will have the opportunity to continue learning, building friendships, and thriving in a safe, supportive, and local environment,” said Christina Arkinson, his mother. “Like so many parents of children with special needs, I have spent countless days wondering what his future would look like after he turned 22. That uncertainty weighed heavily on my heart. Knowing Austin and his classmates will have a place where they are valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential is a gift beyond words.”
Jennifer Elflein, a special education teacher at the high school, has been working with East Hampton Town Councilman Tom Flight, St. Michael’s, Rise, and People’s Arc throughout the school year to bring this adult program to life, so her students have somewhere to go once they graduate. She’s been reaching out to families of past students to inform them of the program, which needs 12 to 15 adult participants to be viable.
“It’s definitely needed out here for these students. Once they age out, there’s nothing for them. To see Austin be so busy now — he can go to work after he’s done with school, but socially there will be nothing for him,” she said.
“There’s no question that there are at least 12 people between Southampton and Montauk who need services,” Ms. Vitale said. “I see the need out there. I’ve met Jennifer’s class.”
Last month, about 30 people attended an open house in the high school cafeteria to learn more about the day habilitation program, while several others requested more information because they couldn’t attend. Rise Life Services is planning to host another informational meeting with more details in September.
Cindy Allentuck, the director of pupil personnel services for the East Hampton School District, encouraged interested families to keep showing up and spreading the word.
“Thank you for coming to the presentation to hear about what great things are ahead for our community and our most special community members. Please spread the word, as we need to have as many participants as possible to make this work,” she said. “Jenn has worked tirelessly to help plan for a future filled with opportunity for our students. She and our Life Skills team are rare and inspiring. Also, many thanks to Tom Flight who is and has been invaluable to seeing this plan through. His dedication, time, and commitment to our students transitioning to adulthood is amazing.”