Make Incredible Things Possible

During her stay at SLS, Ava experienced exponential growth, personally and socially. Living at SLS, away from home, Ava’s self-worth increased. As she described it…‘after all, if other teenagers can go live in other towns and go to college, why can’t I?’ SLS staff expertly assisted Ava with her goals of leading an independent life. When a roadblock appeared with a certain task or goal, SLS staff created effective strategies to enhance achievement.

My guess is that one day, a generation from now, we will be looking at this project in much the same way. That there were some visionary people, driven by a personal connection, that…lit a flame, ignited that spark, and ignited a movement that created a campus that’s going to be built where I stand that’s going to serve this neurodivergent community.

This is one of the most significant economic development projects to ever come to the City of Fayetteville… because it’s striving to tackle a significant issue and that is ensuring that our neurodivergent residents get the health care, job skill training, employment, and housing opportunities that they deserve.

We must all participate in the movement to normalize the disability experience and increase awareness of the fact that those with “special needs” also have the same needs and desires of ALL humans… to love and be loved, and to engage in meaningful work, fully integrated in the community. What’s lacking is simply the resources, programs and supports to make this dream a reality.

SLS offers a highly interactive, human-centered project, creating housing, employment, recreation, learning, outreach and more. The May Institute is pleased to partner with SLS in developing this unique, groundbreaking approach for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.