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Sponsor Spotlight: Our Neighborhood Academy
Empowering young adults with disabilities: the story of our neighborhood academy
For many young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the transition from school to the next phase of life can be overwhelming. After graduation, there is often a gap in services and opportunities that leaves many feeling isolated and disconnected. In response to this need, Our Neighborhood Academy (ONA) was founded to offer a place where young adults can continue learning, building skills, and most importantly, feel valued and connected.
ONA’s founder, Allison Greene, is a former teacher turned entrepreneur who understands firsthand the challenges these individuals face. She was inspired to create a space where young adults who had aged out of school programs could find camaraderie, gain independence, and have opportunities to work, learn, and grow. Our Neighborhood Academy’s mission is to provide young adults with intellectual disabilities access to a safe and nurturing space where they matter and belong, where they enjoy equal access and rights, and where they can broaden their skills, build social confidence, gain a sense of independence, and enhance and explore their unique, true potential.
A Passion for Making a Difference
Growing up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Greene was surrounded by a loving family and a strong community. She attended Birmingham Schools and enjoyed a fulfilling childhood with her parents and three brothers. As a family, they were always supportive of one another, sharing time together and building lasting memories. This sense of community and connection has always been central to her values and is something she wanted to continue in her professional life.
Greene earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (K-12) with a focus on learning disabilities, as well as General Education (K-8) from Hope College. Her career began at Morse Elementary School in Troy, Michigan, where she worked as an ESL coordinator and later as a third grade teacher. Over the years, her passion for teaching and helping others with disabilities grew stronger.
In the years leading up to the creation of ONA, Greene found herself working at Full Circle Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Grosse Pointe that provides job and life skills opportunities for young adults with special needs. This experience was transformative, offering valuable insight into how to support young adults in their journey to independence. When the pandemic hit, and she found herself isolated at home, it gave her the time and space to reflect on the gaps in services for young adults with disabilities. That reflection led to the creation of Our Neighborhood Academy in 2020.
Building Community and Independence
What makes Our Neighborhood Academy stand out from other programs is its comprehensive approach to supporting young adults with disabilities. ONA offers a wellrounded mix of social, educational, and job training opportunities to help young adults develop the skills they need to thrive in the community.
Located in the heart of Berkley, Michigan, ONA provides a calendar packed with social opportunities, educational transition classes, and job training that give young adults the chance to learn, develop, and connect with others. The ONA facility is also home to a children’s boutique. Many of the young adults at ONA help to manage the boutique, turning it into a microenterprise where they can learn valuable skills in retail, customer service, and product development.
One of the core programs at ONA is its educational transition classes, which meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These classes follow the Stanfield Transitions Program, a curriculum designed to prepare young adults for life after school. Topics covered include job skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, and navigating the community, as well as health and wellness. The classes offer essential life skills that young adults will carry with them into adulthood, giving them the tools to succeed both professionally and personally.
Beyond the classroom, ONA also offers a range of job training opportunities that give young adults hands-on experience in the workplace. Through collaborations with local adult transition programs in Berkley and Birmingham, ONA provides job placements where students can gain real-world experience in various fields.
In addition to these classes and job training opportunities, ONA’s social calendar is an essential part of its mission. Social isolation can be a major issue for young adults with disabilities, especially after they graduate or age out of school programs. At ONA, there is always something happening, from restaurant meet-ups and bowling nights to movie screenings and remotecontrolled monster truck rallies. These social events are designed to encourage young adults to connect with their peers, try new activities, and have fun. For many, it’s a chance to build lasting friendships in a supportive, inclusive environment.
ONA’s focus on building community, independence, and social confidence is what truly sets it apart. The young adults who attend ONA are given a space where they are respected and valued, allowing them to grow into confident, independent individuals who are ready to face the world with a sense of purpose.
Supporting the Special Needs Community
Having worked with young adults with disabilities for many years, Greene has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by this community. She believes that connection is one of the most important aspects of success for young adults with disabilities. Without opportunities to connect with others, these individuals may face isolation and depression. That’s why ONA was created—not only to offer education and job training but to provide a space
where young adults can continue to grow socially and emotionally.
“Don’t let your young adult graduate without finding something that will engage them after high school,” she advises. “It’s so important for young adults to feel a sense of belonging. That’s why we’re here at ONA. We want to provide a safe, supportive space for young adults to continue learning, making friends, and working toward their goals.”
She emphasizes that these young adults crave opportunities to make friends, learn new skills, and find their place in the world. ONA offers all of this—and more.
Giving Back and Community Involvement
When she’s not working at ONA, Greene enjoys spending time with her family and friends, particularly her nieces and nephew. Her love for animals is also a big part of her life— she has a mini goldendoodle named Rhubarb, who is a favorite at ONA, bringing joy to the students. Rhubarb’s is so well-loved at the academy that the idea of starting a dog walking business has even been discussed!
Greene enjoys traveling, especially to the family cabin up north and exploring the mountains. Last summer, her family traveled to Banff, Canada, where she fell in love with the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
She is also deeply involved in her church community at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, where she volunteers in various capacities, including singing on the praise team, leading the women’s group, and participating in the pastor call committee. Her connection to her church family has been an important part of her life, and it continues to inspire her work at ONA.
The academy hosts a large fundraiser each fall, which helps support the ongoing programs at ONA. This year, ONA will host a can drive on Saturday, May 10th. Donations are always welcome, and families are encouraged to reach out to learn more about how they can get involved.
A Future of Possibilities
At Our Neighborhood Academy, the journey doesn’t end when school is over—it’s only just beginning. Whether young adults are looking for job training, social connections, or a place to belong, ONA is here to support them. The academy is always looking for new participants and is eager to offer a safe, inclusive environment where young adults can grow, connect, and thrive.
Greene’s vision for ONA has come to life through dedication, hard work, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. ONA continues to provide a vital service to the community, and with each new graduate and participant, the future of this academy shines brighter than ever. Contact Information Our Neighborhood Academy is always eager to welcome new participants and families. If you’re interested in learning more about the academy, scheduling a tour, or getting involved in any of their programs, you can reach them at:
Business Phone: 248-556-5332
Address: 3096 12 Mile Rd., Berkley, MI 48072
Website: www. ourneighborhoodacademy.com (https:// www.ourneighborhoodacademy.com)
Instagram: @ OurNeighborhoodAcademy (https://www.instagram.com/ ourneighborhoodacademy)
Facebook: Our Neighborhood Academy (https://www.facebook.com/ OurNeighborhoodAcademy)
