The name has changed, as has the host location.
But the spirit of Southwestern Community College’s effort to help young special-needs adults has only grown stronger since Devonne Jimison helped launch it more than a decade ago.
Now known as “Crossover,” the program equips these individuals of all ages with marketable employability and independent living skills – directly addressing disparities faced by the often-overlooked population of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) recently awarded an $11,000 Education Grant to support the second year of SCC’s Crossover program.
“For many years, we served this population under the umbrella of ‘Project SEARCH’ at different host locations across Jackson County,” said Jimison, SCC’s Director of College & Career Readiness. “One of the most-fulfilling aspects of what we do is seeing these individuals gain more independence. In most cases, these are individuals who’ve been told all their lives what they cannot do. We focus on what they can do, and it’s often far more than they ever believed was possible.”
Through Crossover, Jimison and her team help participants attain academic growth, economic stability, self-sufficiency, healthy habits and social development.
Students learn through real-world activities including cooking and kitchen safety, entrepreneurship through selling arts and crafts, cultural events and field trips; participation in a drama troupe to enhance reading and digital literacy and visits to local businesses to learn about employment opportunities.
“The generous funding from CFWNC allows us to strengthen our curriculum and provide practical experiences that bridge the gap between classroom learning and independent living,” Jimison said. “We aim to meet each student’s individual needs to ensure each one can grow, thrive and fully participate in our community.”
Crossover is hosted at SCC and is open to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities over the age of 17. It is hosted at Southwestern’s Jackson Campus.
“Southwestern has always been about changing lives, and the work Devonne and her team do through our Crossover program is simply heartwarming,” said Dr. Tomas, SCC President. “Our campus is small enough that most of us get to know the Crossover students. Watching their development and growth over the months that they are with us is always amazing.”
For more information about Crossover, including enrollment and employment opportunities, contact Jimison at 828.339.4361 or devonnej@SouthwesternCC.edu.
