As Linwood Center moves forward with a number of initiatives in both adult services and our school program, we are making a special effort to communicate to all of our stakeholders. We welcome Kim Manning, former executive director of the Howard County Autism Society, to Linwood’s administrative staff. As Linwood’s Community Outreach Director, she is in the process of connecting with the leaders of agencies around the State of Maryland that have an interest in meeting the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Having provided services to children for over 50 years and to adults for over 25 years, Linwood is uniquely positioned to partner with other agencies in a variety of capacities.
As an approved nonpublic school program and licensed residential program, Linwood provides day and residential services to children throughout the state who are on the spectrum. Among the initiatives that Kim is addressing, are the new programs and the new school building we are now working on. We expect to break ground in 2011. On December 3rd, we hosted a special stakeholders meeting to formally present our plans and solicit input before the plans are finalized.
Kim has been meeting with administrators, placement specialists and transition specialists from the local school systems, as well as parents and parent advocates, gearing Linwood up for increased student enrollment when our new school is completed. Linwood will be tripling its enrollment capacity and partnering with school systems in a variety of capacities. Kim has also been doing speaking engagements with disabilities groups, community groups and others as we prepare for increased enrollment and new programs.
As a licensed adult services provider, Linwood provides supported employment, day habilitation and residential services for adults on the spectrum. Kim has been presenting to stakeholders our recently opened retail store in Ellicott City that provides training and employment opportunities to individuals on the spectrum.
Linwood is currently accepting referrals to all programs. If you are interested in making a referral or establishing a partnership with us, please contact Kim at 410-465-1352 or kmanning@linwoodcenter.org.
