Helping young adults with autism gain greater independence

Helping young adults with autism gain greater independence
Our Mission
MERISTEM serves young adults on the autism spectrum by
helping them develop practical life skills, increase social
capacity, and transition to work and independence.
We build the foundation for a productive life by helping to
optimize the potential of each individual. A special emphasis
is placed on preparing students for entry into the workforce
or pursuing higher education.
“I didn’t have a life before coming here and now I do.
It’s a life I wouldn’t have imagined was possible.”
MERISTEM students discover:
•
A stronger sense of confidence and self-determination
•
A capacity for empathy and friendship
•
The value of being a contributing member of an
integrated and inclusive community
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Our Inspiration
RUSKIN MILL
The MERISTEM method is inspired by the work of the Ruskin
Mill Trust in England.
Ruskin Mill has a 30-year history serving generations of
students with autism across the United Kingdom. The
program is founded upon practical arts training. Through
“doing,” students get immediate and objective feedback
from the process, develop capacity for self-leadership, and a
sense of accomplishment. Working with tutors and fellow
students, social skills flourish as a byproduct of the process.
More than 70 percent of graduates transition into higher
education, vocational training, or employment.
Clervaux
Darlington
CO Durham
Brantwood
Specialist School
Sheffield
Freeman College
Sheffield
Argent College
Birmingham
Glasshouse College
Stourbridge, West
Midlands
Coleg Plas Dwbl
Clunderwen
Pembrokeshire
Ruskin Mill College
The Fieldcentre
Nailsworth, Gloucestershire
“As I worked on creating a pot, I found that the pot was shaping me as much
as I was shaping it.” - Aonghus Gordon, Founder, Ruskin Mill Trust
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“It was really difficult at first - but seeing something
that I’d created in the store made me feel great.”
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Autism on the Rise
1 in 68
children
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental
disability in the United States, currently affecting an estimated 3 million
people. Often, families are left with the prospect of their children facing
lifelong unemployment, dependence, and isolation.
are diagnosed
with ASD
50,000 with
More than
autism turn 18 every year
Only 25%
1.6
1.4
with ASD live independently
1.2
500,000
1.0
0.8
with autism will age out of the school
system in the next 10 years
0.6
0.4
0.2
Lifetime care for an individual
with ASD costs approximately
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
Prevalence of ASD in United States (%)
$3.2
million
2015
Adults with ASD cost taxpayers nearly
$200 billion per year
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The MERISTEM Method
Three-year residential and day programs allow young adults to learn in
highly personalized ways and to develop social skills through the practical
arts and transformative movement.
Through the practical arts, students learn to work with others, create a
plan of action, and implement that plan. Social and emotional skills
flourish, and a sense of accomplishment is achieved.
Transformative movement profoundly impacts emotional, social, and
intellectual development. Whether engaged in working with farm animals
or taking a hike in nature, the activities encourage young adults to more
fully live in their bodies.
Our students represent a broad spectrum of abilities. Programs are
individualized for each level of functioning.
Elements of the method:
• Transformative movement
• Carpentry and woodwork
• Digital media
• Educational technology
• Culinary arts and nutrition
• Farm and animal care
• Equine therapy
• Textiles, jewelry, and metal work
• Sustainable agriculture
• Filmmaking and photography
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Developing Life Skills
The Independent Living Skills program is personalized for
each student with the aim of fostering self-reliance.
“My confidence has grown, and I can do things
I thought I would never be able to do.”
The elements include:
• Self-care and safety
• Nutrition and health
• Community service
• Financial literacy
• Extracurricular activities
• Self-determination and self-advocacy
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Increasing Social Capacity
The core program develops social skills that ultimately
lead to a stronger sense of self, a healthy relationship to
others, and a recognition of one’s place in the world.
Inclusion in an integrated community encourages social
aptitudes, friendships, and adaptability.
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“I’ve enjoyed getting to know people and making friends.
It’s the best part of being here.”
Transition to Work and
Independence
A central aspect of the MERISTEM method involves
preparing students for life after graduation. Throughout
the three-year program, students build skills to enter the
workplace or higher education. Many will work
independently, others with assistance, but each graduate
leaves with a greater sense of self-reliance.
Entering the workforce is a hallmark of the program. Our
transition-to-work program develops vocational skills
through work experience. Students grow and sell food
from the campus farm, and work in the culinary arts
center, the campus café, or bookstore.
In partnership with the local business community, students
will experience independent or supported work
placements and internships. We help graduates find work
in the community or enter college.
“Having a job is not just about getting paid or trying to make
a living for yourself. It’s all about doing things for others.”
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Our Campus
Our flagship center is located on a beautiful 13-acre
campus near the American River in Sacramento,
California. It consists of:
•
•
•
•
•
Visual and practical arts classrooms
A working farm
Performing arts auditorium
Outdoor fields
Academic classrooms
•
•
•
•
Equine center
Student café
Bookstore
Student living areas
The Independent Living Center is the home of our residential
students. Each suite contains four bedrooms, two bathrooms,
a full kitchen, a living room, and an outdoor patio or balcony.
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An Inclusive and
Integrated Community
Our community is integrated with a teacher training
college, farm apprenticeship program, community
supported agriculture (CSA), and community
workshops and events. Students develop skills
through integration and social inclusion.
With MERISTEM’s emphasis on community, we seek
opportunities to partner with local businesses for
student job and internship opportunities.
“I am more confident in myself, in
what I do and say, and how I act.”
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Board of Trustees
Russell J. Austin
Partner, Murphy Austin, Adams Schoenfeld LLP
Garry Maisel
President and CEO, Western Health Advantage
Michael Chez, M.D.
Pediatric Neurologist, Sutter Medical Group
Jesse Sprecher
Former Vice Chairman, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Donna L. Courville
Attorney, Boutin Jones Inc.
Darrell Steinberg
Mayor-Elect, Sacramento, Former California Senator
Maureen Curran
Founder and Director, The Orcas Institute
Barbara Stern
Family Therapist and Educator
Bill Dussault
Principal, Dussault Law Group
Marc Turtletaub
Entrepreneur
Jane Einhorn
Marketing Consultant
Louis A. Vismara, M.D.
Executive Director, University Development Foundation
Viva Ettin, M.D.
Law Offices of Viva Ettin, M.D.
Advisor to the Board
Aonghus Gordon
Founder of Ruskin Mill Trust
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“We know MERISTEM is unique – there’s no equivalent program in our
region, state, or nation. MERISTEM offers hope, purpose, and meaning.
It is one of a kind.”
— Darrell Steinberg, MERISTEM Trustee, Mayor-Elect, Sacramento, Former California Senator
Ted Kempf, Vice President
Outreach and Admissions
tk@meristem.pro
9200 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
www.meristem.pro
916 963 1000