On Monday, October 23 at 4 p.m., the Transition 99 Center will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate the 6,000 square foot addition and renovation to its facility, located at 4232 Venard Road, Downers Grove, Illinois. The community is invited to attend; Transition 99 leaders as well as District 99 Board of Education members and administration will be in attendance.
"T99 is a special place, and the work that goes on there is fantastic," said District 99 Board of Education President Don Renner. Since its inception in 1998, Transition 99 has served hundreds of students with special needs. After high school, students aged 18 to 22 years old participate in coursework that prepares them to be as independent as possible. Skills that are taught include activities of daily living, such as cooking and cleaning, as well as financial literacy, all critical to independent living. Vocational experience is a key element of the program, and students work at businesses and organizations throughout the community in the job training program.
“Our goal is to graduate students who are not only independent, but who are also contributing members of society,” said District 99 Director of Special Services Lisa Bollow. “Our students have so much to offer, and we’re thankful for the many people and partnerships we have throughout the community who help us prepare students for what’s next.”
District 99 established the T99 program in 1998. After being located in classrooms inside Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School as well as a facility in Westmont, T99 moved to its current location on Venard Road in 2013. Due to increased enrollment and student needs, the Board of Education approved the expansion project, which was completed on time and under budget.
Renovations included redesigning the building exterior, installing a new parking lot to accommodate staff, and adding two additional classrooms, a secure vestibule, a second kitchen, a large gross motor sensory room, staff offices, and a dedicated staff break room.
In addition to life skills and job training, T99 students participate in the school’s “MicroBiz.” Some student tasks include making dog treats, shred documents and create custom stickers. Learn more about T99 at www.csd99.org/T99; see flyer here.
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