California is in desperate need of programs that prepare youth with
developmental disabilities to leave home, operate independently and
maximize their potential to be contributing members of society.

Mychal’s Learning Place, founded in 2001, is a non-profit organization dedidated to optimizing the potential of youth with developmental disabilities. Two after school programs currently serve 50 children ages 11-17.  A third program was recently developed to fill the void for the population aging out of high school and beyond.

MYCHAL’S INDEPENDENT LIVING, aka M.I.L.E., is a weekend residential program that opened its doors to four students with developmental disabilities, ages 17+, in a pilot project on September 12, 2008. The plan is to make the program available to as many young adults with developmental disabilities as we can support.

During the 10-month curriculum period, students are living in a two-bedroom apartment two weekends a month.  They are participating in activities that will transfer to lifelong independent living skills. They are learning job skills necessary for gainful employment, as well as self-respect and knowledge of their individual strengths.  Parents are supported in maintaining these skill-sets during the week.  This is not a vacation for the children or a respite weekend for parents. This requires serious work and a serious commitment on the part of both children and parents.  However, the payoff is immeasurable!

The program curriculum includes:

• Cooking Skills
• Household Cleaning and Maintenance
• Shopping Skills
• Menu Planning and Preparation
• Vocational Training
• Personal Finance
• Mobility Skills
• Personal Care
• Self-Advocacy and Personal Responsibility
• Physical Fitness
• Leisure Skills
• Use of Community Resources and Awareness of Community Support System
• Safety
• Conflict Resolution
• Independent Life
• Time Management
• Personal Attire
• Manners

We are relying upon fundraising efforts to keep the MILE program ongoing.
For more information, please contact Executive Director Ed Lynch at 310-922-3032.