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NON-PROFIT OF THE MONTH: LIVING AND LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER
BY ANGELA ARLINGTON
Living & Learning Enrichment Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by Rachelle Vartanian. Rachelle graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in teaching for the emotionally impaired. When Rachelle’s son was officially diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, she made the decision to go back to school and get a second Master’s Degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Madonna University. It was during this time that she started teaching high school special education in Farmington Public Schools.
Looking for social skills groups that would benefit her son brought her to the realization that they were few and far between. The ones that were available cost an exorbitant amount of money and had her driving fortyfive minutes each way. She took it upon herself to create her own group locally. Every Sunday at 1 pm in a room she rented at the Farmington Public Library she facilitated a group of like-minded individuals which they called Weamara (the initials of the
original social skills group members) for almost two years.
Living and Learning Enrichment Center provides social skills programs, vocational skills, employment, independent living, family support, special interest clubs, and performing arts clubs.
“We help our members and their families navigate the services that are available to them. We have a free monthly parent support group where we bring in speakers to present different services that exist in the community. Our goal is to be the nation’s model. Please contact us for a tour of our beautiful estate and learn what our plans are for the future,” Rachelle shares.
“We help our members have meaningful lives and we work hard to make our organization inclusive to ALL people. We have an artisan market (MOD Market) where 50% of
the products are made by a person with a disability. We have an I.T. Academy (Exceptional Academy) where people with disabilities can get a free certificate in Cyber security. We offer ABA therapy in a beautiful setting where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. We have an alpaca farm, bee farm, chicken and bunny farm, and lavender fields,” Rachelle explains.
Mod Market, an enterprise of Living and Learning Enrichment Center, is an inclusive artist’s market and unique gift shop, which provides employment training to individuals with autism or related challenges. Mod Market has items for every taste and budget and most items are one-of-a-kind!
CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.
• Have a disability that presents a barrier to employment?
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or certificate of completion?
• Have strong math/reading comprehension?
• Have an enthusiastic interest in or high aptitude for technology?
SUPPORTING:
The center always can use volunteers and donations. Rachelle shares, “If you know someone who would be interested in what we do please introduce us. Most of our donations have come from people and not organizations.”
“By individualizing each program for our clients, we ensure that their unique skills, talents, and personalities are able to flourish. Social skills are the first step in full community engagement.
Our comfortable, safe, and supportive environment will allow individuals to have fun while learning age-appropriate social skills that easily transfer to everyday life. With programs designed to promote social and emotional growth, your son or daughter will learn and progress in an inclusive, nurturing environment.”
TESTIMONIAL: “I would not be the man I am today. You collectively taught me responsibility, compassion, generosity, and the true meaning of friendship.”
