Program Summary
The College for Living allows for independent living in a campus atmosphere, with as needed support tailored to young adults with disabilities. Support is provided to students in a variety of ways, including mentorship, weekly classes, and unique resources.
Mentorship
Mentors are present daily in four-hour sessions to provide person-centered support, skill building and education. Our mentors all have different life experiences and backgrounds, creating diverse perspectives and unique outlooks.
Courses
Students attend weekly classes to learn life skills necessary for living independently. Our course calendar, published monthly, outlines core curriculum courses with additional educational and recreational opportunities.
Curriculum
Our program is responsive to the evolving needs of our students as they grow and learn. Students living on campus participate in the College for Living Advisory Council to plan future courses.
Resources
Each student has an individual plan and access to resource development. Students also have access to off-shift professional support 24/7 for emergency situations.
Additional Support
Students have the opportunity to enroll in additional support plans on an as-needed basis to work on specific goals and skills that require additional time outside of the general education plan.
The care support plan is designed to assist an individual in completing tasks and/or accomplishing other activities of daily living.
The education support plan is designed to support student goals by providing one-on-one educational opportunities.
Professional services consultation is a project-based service offered to students as they reach new levels of independence.
Meet our staff
Amy
Chief Program Officer
Amy is the chief program officer at Day Spring. She's been with Day Spring for 20 years and helped start the College for Living.
Samantha
College for Living advisor
Samantha is the advisor for the College for Living. She graduated from the University of Louisville and led a disability inclusion program while she was a student there. She began supporting people with IDD through her church youth group and since has supported many people who participate in Kentucky Medicaid waiver programs. She has been with the College for Living for two years, and her favorite part of the program is providing students the opportunity to have a key to their own front door and the supportive environment that lets students build strong connections and begin building their bold future. Samantha enjoys spending time with her neighbors, walking in Louisville’s beautiful parks, watching romantic comedies, and spending time with her family.
Amanda
life-skills mentor
Amanda is a life-skills mentor at the College for Living. She has a bachelor’s degree from Bellarmine and a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky. Amanda has a passion for supporting people with IDD and began at a very young age with participation in First Steps and programs through Kentucky public schools. She has been with Day Spring for five years and a life-skills mentor for two years. Her favorite part of the College for Living is working out real-life situations with the students, building relationships, and watching students gain independence and confidence to live the life they choose. Amanda enjoys being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and watching her kids play sports.
Erin
life-skills mentor
Erin is a life skills mentor at the College for Living. She recently graduated from the University of Louisville. Erin grew up with her adopted uncle who was diagnosed with severe autism as a small child; she and her uncle did everything together growing up. She’s enjoyed seeing her uncle develop and mature over the years and watching him make new friends. Erin has been a life-skills mentor for one month and her favorite part of the College for Living is spending time talking and being with the students. Erin loves spending her free time kayaking, biking, running, playing golf, bouldering, and going to hot yoga classes. She also loves baking, crocheting, and hanging out with her many pets. She’s looking forward to continuing to grow alongside the students.
Rebecca
Communications specialist
Rebecca is a communications specialist for the College for Living. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Bellarmine University. She has a passion for supporting people with IDD and she began volunteering with Dreams with Wings in high school. She has been with Day Spring and the College for Living for six months. Her favorite part of the College for Living is spending time with the students and showing off their accomplishments on the College for Living’s social media pages. Rebecca loves her two Akitas (Kashi and Cinder) and taking them on outdoor adventures.
Russ
life-skills mentor
Russ is a life-skills mentor at the College for Living. He graduated from Indiana University Southeast. Along with his work at Day Spring, Russ has been involved with supporting people with IDD through Zoom Group and Down Syndrome of Louisville. Russ has been with Day Spring for 14 years and with the College for Living since its inception. His favorite part of being a life-skills mentor is getting to help the students learn independence, grow as members of the community, and laugh along the way as they navigate through life in the “real world.” Russ loves anything to do with sports, British TV shows, and crossword puzzles. He’s also ambidextrous.
Tristan
life-skills mentor
Tristan is a life-skills mentor at the College for Living. She has a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University as well as a master’s degree. Tristan’s history of supporting people with IDD includes work in Haiti with Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, coaching the Kentucky School for the Blind Swim Team, and working with individuals with SCL waivers. She has been with Day Spring for 11 years and with the College for Living since its beginning. Her favorite part of being a life-skills mentor is the multitudes of conversations about everything under the sun and watching students develop new friendships and connections. Tristan loves spending her free time gardening, reading, lap swimming, and riding her bike.