EMPOWERING THROUGH CREATIVITY: THE EAGLE CREATIONS PROGRAM

WRITTEN BY STEVEN OFFIELD, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

At the Dillard Special Achievement Center, there’s a culture of creativity and determination. Here, Lisa Trees, the Transitions Teacher, operates the Eagle Creations Program, a transformative initiative catering to young adults with special needs who have aged out of high school but are still eager to learn and grow.

The Eagle Creations Program is not just about teaching job skills; it’s about unleashing hidden talents and fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The program encompasses various facets, including daily living skills and hands-on creation workshops.

“We have three rooms set up at Dillard Special Achievement Center,” Lisa shares. “One is the apartment where we’re focusing on daily living skills like laundry and dishes, and another is the workshop’s creation area.”

The heart of the program lies in the Eagle Creations Workshop, where participants engage in crafting handmade cards and other projects. What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on recognizing and nurturing each individual’s unique skills and abilities.

“We’re discovering skills in the kids that might have gone unnoticed before,” said Lisa. “It’s surprising what they can do. You think they might struggle, and then they exceed expectations in ways that really impresses you.”

The program has seen exponential growth, with the number of participants nearly tripling from the previous year. This growth has necessitated adaptation and expansion, with a broader range of projects and activities being introduced to accommodate the diverse needs of the students.

“We’ve had to adapt,” Lisa remarks, “and we’re producing a lot more products now. With students needing more diverse support, we’re developing new projects tailored to their abilities.”

The success of the program is not just confined within the walls of the Dillard Special Achievement Center. Through pop-up shops and community events, participants showcase their creations, gaining invaluable real-world experience and building confidence in their abilities.

“Every time we set up a pop-up shop, whether at the high school, admin building, or elsewhere, the response has been phenomenal,” Lisa recalls. “The way the community engages with our students is incredibly supportive, and it’s truly special to witness.”

Looking ahead, Lisa envisions further expansion and outreach for the Eagle Creations Program. Establishing an online presence, for example, would not only broaden their market but also provide participants with opportunities to engage in meaningful work beyond traditional retail settings.

In essence, the Eagle Creations Program is more than just a vocational initiative; it’s a testament to the power of creativity, inclusion, and community support in empowering individuals of all abilities to thrive and succeed.

“What we’re doing is very necessary,” said Lisa.