Otto Specht School has joined #GivingTuesday, a pioneering effort to harness the collective power of partners charities, families, businesses, and individuals. The movement is transforming how people think, talk about, and participate in the giving season. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday have become recognized days of holiday shopping. #GivingTuesday brings attention to philanthropy, donations, and kind actions - a movement we can really get behind!
This year, we are directing gifts on this national day of giving to support programming dedicated to lifelong learning through practical and vocational activities. These programs, which include farming, culinary skills, and the print shop, have very clear benefits to our students’ education, including practical application of academic material, executive functioning, and service to the community. Further development of these programs will increase our added value to the community and provide a springboard for students and young adults as they gain the skills and confidence to move towards further educational endeavors, independent living, and gainful employment. At Otto Specht School, we know that every child’s path will be unique but that each person deserves an opportunity to live fulfilling lives and follow his or her dreams.
The expanded programming will benefit from the diversity of our student body, the creativity of students and teachers, and the integration of the greater community. They will provide goods and services to the community, revenue for the school, and jobs for young adults with developmental disabilities. In order to fully implement the expansion of these programs, however, we need to improve the necessary spaces and equipment, including:
· Creating more work spaces (for culinary, book binding, and other activities)
· Renovating kitchen space
· Replacing outdated appliances
· Repairing greenhouses
These improvements are estimated at $25,000, our goal for #GIVINGTUESDAY