About the program
Per the release, The YMCA Bright Life Program serves adults ages 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The program's participants learn life skills, pre-vocational skills and engage in social and recreational activities.
In addition, its after-school program, Bright Life After School, serves teens ages 15 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students can also participate in social and recreational activities, monthly field trips and community service projects. The program meets Mondays through Thursdays from 3-5:30 p.m. at The Branch Crossing YMCA in The Woodlands.
The idea for the YMCA program came from Thompson after she worked in a special needs ministry for teens and young adults at a local church, according to the release.
“My own daughter was in middle school at the time, and what I envisioned for her future did not currently exist in our community,” Thompson said. “A couple of close friends at the time were also looking for better options, so we began to discuss what that would look like.”
After putting together a plan and filing the business paperwork to start a nonprofit, a friend who was a fitness instructor at YMCA encouraged her to use a space at the center for the nonprofit.
“It was decided that it would be better if I, and the ladies helping run the program, just became employees of the 'Y,' instead of the nonprofit leasing space. And within two months, Bright Life was up and running,” she said.
The program began with only nine teens and young adults, and it has served 29 adults and nine after-school students to date.
“We have truly created a ‘Bright Life’ for our participants through continuing educational activities, recreational and healthy fitness options, gardening, our vocational art program, field trips and multiple community service partnerships. Our Bright Lifers are creating a community full of joy, hope, and lifelong friendships,” Thompson said.
- 8100 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands
- www.ymcahouston.org
