We recently connected with Michelle Jericevich and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Life will lead you down many paths.
I never dreamt I would be running a program for the developmentally disabled but here I am. Life was simple when Indya was in the school system but when it came time to transition out and we started looking my life came to a halt! There was absolutely nothing in 2000 that I would even consider. Perhaps this is my greatest accomplishment even though I have been in the ballet world since I was 5 years old. To see the friendships forming, peer support and just the fun they have being together doing things gives me pure joy.
Our goal at Great Prospects, Inc. is to offer parents a place to drop off their son/daughter and go to work knowing that they would be well cared for plus in an enriching environment. No one understands our lives, therefore we have to support each other.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Great Prospects, Inc. provides post-secondary (after high school) and summer programs for adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities. Great Prospects, Inc. helps adolescents continue to grow and thrive, and young adults to make the critical transition to the adult world while learning to become a contributing member of the community.
Public schools generally do a good job in providing for the education and development of young people with disabilities up to age 21. But what happens once they age out of the school system? Families face the big question – what’s next? An adult day care center? Supported employment with people who are decades older than your child? That is where Great Prospects, Inc. comes in – to support that critical transition to the adult world while learning to be a contributing member of our community.
Individuals that stay home after high school often have a heartbreakingly different story. Many are withdrawn, have lost many of the basic social and life skills that they developed while in school and lack the quality of life that Great Prospects, Inc. individuals gain.
This “transition gap” is a huge issue in the special needs community and Great Prospects, Inc. is one of the only programs in the Atlanta area focused on helping individuals and their families with this gap. We serve individuals ranging in age from 20-40.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Its all about quality over quantity and having a life worth living. Our motto relates to being able to function in society, with society, and being an accepted part of the community.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Mouth to mouth referrals. When you do something well people like to tell their friends about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greatprospectsinc.org/
- Instagram: @greatprospectsinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatprospects/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/great-prospects-inc.
- Twitter: @Greatprospects1
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/greatprospects/
Image Credits
Great Prospects Staff