They met in class. They chatted on the phone. They connected via FaceTime. They mastered Zoom. They learned how to adapt and be flexible. Vodec’s Adult Transition Program (ATP) Class of 2021 – the first to learn in the midst of a pandemic – graduated May 24.
“We share a special bond with this group as a result of COVID-19,” said Vodec ATP Supervisor Regina Greco. “They’ve had a chance to see where we live, our kids and our lives. We were able to get a glimpse into their lives outside the classroom and connect with them on a more personal level.”
Now that the students are about to begin their next chapter, Greco said, the ATP staff who helped them through these challenging times looks forward to seeing their continued success in the community.
“I feel such pride when I go to the grocery store and a former student bags my groceries or when I’m in a fast food restaurant where I’m waited on by a student who learned about customer service from our program,” Greco said.
Vodec asked the ATP Class of 2021 to reflect on their time at Vodec and what their future plans are. Their responses are printed here. Best of luck in the future from everyone at Vodec!
River Beck
School District: Central High
Favorite thing about ATP: Building with gears.
Future plans: Get a job at Dairy Queen to clean windows.”
“I had fun in ATP.”
Jayden Behrens
School District: Thomas Jefferson High School
Favorite thing about ATP: The staff.
Future plans: I hopefully can move to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with my friends and find a job and be able to go fishing a lot.
“ATP has been so fun, I don’t know what I will do without the staff and what they will do without me.”
Logan Jensen
School District: Underwood High School
Favorite thing about ATP: Having fun, watching Friday movies, seeing my friends and staff, and sometimes learning some stuff.
Future plans: Make music, build Nerf guns, be a trucker and work on trying to get buff.
“I will miss my boys Jayden, Gage, Jeff and Sean. Last thoughts – rock on.”
Gage Kuehnhold
School District: Thomas Jefferson High School
Favorite thing about ATP: The outings before COVID-19, hanging out and playing UNO with my friends, and my staff.
Future plans: Continue to work at Taco Bell and maybe become a manager some day.
“ATP was great, I am going to be sad to leave and miss my staff.”
Cole Osbahr
School District: Tri Center High School
Favorite thing about ATP: Following the rules and participating in activities. The staff have taught me a lot of good lessons. It has been so special with my staff, and I had a great time.
Future plans: Stay home and maybe stay at my grandma’s sometimes.
“I will miss my friends and staff Gina, Megan, Sean, Kristen, Brooke, Jeff and Angel. My song for ATP is “When Can I See You Again” by Owl City.”
Nicole Stokes
School District: Abraham Lincoln High School
Favorite thing about ATP: The creative writing assignments.
Future plans: Go on vacation.
“I had fun with everyone in ATP.”
Baylor Swenson
School District: Abraham Lincoln High School
Favorite thing about ATP: The fun with staff and friends and the good food.
Future plans: Play guitar more, fix my hair and spend more time with my family.
“I will miss the ATP staff and the good lunches.”
Joey Wise
School District: Thomas Jefferson High School
Favorite thing about ATP: Bouncing on the yoga ball and listening to music.
Future plans: Stay home and watch “Thomas and Friends” and get pretzels.
“Staff is happy.”
Vodec’s Adult Transition Program, offered at the Council Bluffs Development Center, is designed to meet the needs of students with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21. The program helps them develop the skills necessary for daily living, including practical money management, how to get and keep a job and preparing nutritious meals, among others.