Transportation Opens Doors to Independence at Shepherds College
When people think about helping young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve greater independence, transportation may not be the first thing that comes to mind.
But at Shepherds College in Union Grove, Wisconsin, reliable transportation is often the bridge between learning and living, between classroom instruction and real-world success. Thanks to support from the Wispact Foundation, that bridge is becoming stronger.
A Unique College Experience Designed for Independence
Shepherds College is a fully accredited, three-year residential post-secondary educational program designed specifically for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located in Union Grove, Wisconsin, Shepherds helps students discover their potential through majors such as Culinary Arts, Technology, and Hospitality, along with daily living skills, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and confidence-building instruction.
Nearly 90% of Shepherds graduates achieve employment, compared with a national employment rate of about 20% for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What makes Shepherds College unique is its immersive approach. Students live on campus, beginning in dorm-style housing and gradually transitioning toward greater independence through apartment-style living. Their education extends far beyond the classroom and includes everything from budgeting and meal preparation to employment experiences and community engagement.
As Heather Willette, Grant Writer for Shepherds College, explained, “The experiences outside the classroom are just as important as what students learn inside it.”
Why Transportation Matters
For Shepherds College students, transportation is not simply about getting from one place to another. It is an essential component of the educational experience.
Students rely on transportation to:
- Participate in occupational experiences and internships with local employers
- Volunteer within their communities
- Attend medical appointments
- Shop for groceries and personal necessities
- Participate in Special Olympics competitions
- Travel home to visit family
- Engage in social, recreational, and community activities
Transportation creates access to opportunities that help students develop the skills and confidence needed for greater independence. “Transportation is essential to connecting students with occupational experiences, medical appointments, groceries, community outings, and getting home to their families,” Willette noted.
Like many nonprofit organizations, Shepherds College faces the ongoing challenge of maintaining aging vehicles while balancing limited resources. The Wispact Foundation grant will help the college replace older transportation assets and ensure students continue to have safe, reliable access to the experiences that support their growth and development.
Real Students. Real Growth.
The impact of transportation becomes most visible through the stories of students.
One graduating student, Debbie, has been completing her occupational experience at Crumbl Cookies. Through this opportunity, she has developed workplace skills while gaining valuable experience in a professional environment. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic have made her a valued member of the team.
According to Willette, Debbie became such an important part of the workplace culture that her coworkers sent her a card during a holiday break, expressing how much they missed her and looked forward to her return.
That opportunity—and the confidence it helped build—would not have been possible without transportation connecting her to the workplace.
Willette also shared the stories of two graduating students, Max and Marvin, who have grown significantly through routine community outings. Activities that once required close staff supervision, such as grocery shopping, are now completed independently. Armed with a shopping list and growing confidence, they navigate stores, make decisions, solve problems, and complete purchases on their own.
“It might seem like a small step,” Willette explained, “but for our students it represents planning, problem-solving, communication, independence, and confidence.”
Investing in Opportunity
The Wispact Foundation is proud to support organizations that create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives.
Transportation may not always be visible in the success stories we celebrate, but it is often the critical connection that makes those stories possible. Whether helping a student reach an internship, participate in community life, or learn everyday skills, reliable transportation expands opportunity.
For Shepherds College students, a vehicle is much more than transportation:
· It is a pathway to employment.
· A pathway to confidence.
· A pathway to independence.
· And ultimately, a pathway to a more meaningful life.
How You Can Help
Shepherds College welcomes support in many forms. Community members can help by spreading awareness about post-secondary opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting scholarship efforts, volunteering, or connecting the college with businesses interested in providing internships and occupational experiences for students.
By working together, we can help more students discover their potential and build lives filled with purpose, contribution, and independence. Learn more at shephardscollege.edu.