About LifeWorks for Autism

Recognizing the benefits of a strong community-university partnership, the concept of the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC) at Western Kentucky University (WKU) began in 2003 when a group of concerned parents and grandparents came together to ensure that needed services for their families were available in the Bowling Green / Warren County, Kentucky area. WKU acknowledged the need for trained autism professionals in the community, which led to the creation of the CEC in 2006 to support children from age-2 through high school and their families. Now, the CEC is an interdisciplinary, integrated clinical program that provides a continuum of services to families and individuals with developmental disabilities. It also serves as a training site for WKU students majoring in a variety of disciplines.
An integral part of the CEC, the Kelly Autism Program (KAP) was established in 2002, when John and Linda Kelly saw how their daughter, a middle-school student with autism, lacked support and socialization outside of school and home – she simply needed something more.

The Kellys, alongside WKU, started KAP to not only meet the support needs of their daughter, but also of other individuals with similar needs. KAP started with eight participants, and in less than six years grew to over 100 with parents driving as far as 110 miles away to receive KAP services. The KAP Circle of Support was implemented in 2002, as an innovative program designed specifically for WKU college students with Autism. KAP was profiled in the New York Times (2016) for its impressive variety of resources, programming, and networks for its students on the autism spectrum.
After providing autism services for over a decade to a wide variety of children and youth, ranging from toddlers to teenagers to college students, CEC staff and supporters realized the need for continued services and supports after participants had graduated from high school or college. In 2015, the CEC Executive Director, Dr. Mary Lloyd Moore, along with pioneering supporters John & Linda Kelly and Suzanne Vitale, began dreaming and planning on how to develop the next phase of the CEC . . . a program to support young autistic adults as they transition to living and working in the community. The Kellys and Suzanne Vitale have been at the forefront of facilitating autism services in southcentral Kentucky for nearly two decades.

Fast-forward to October 24, 2019 – after nearly five years of thoughtful planning, research, and support-building, the University, CEC, and community supporters celebrated the ground-breaking for LifeWorks – a new and innovative two-year living and learning program for individuals age 18-35 on the autism spectrum who want to enter the workforce and pursue independent living.
The administrative and educational facilities, and the residential complex – Julie & Gary Ransdell Living & Learning Community – were fully completed in April 2020. The LifeWorks program launched its first Transition Academy cohort in Fall 2020.

To provide education and experiential learning for young autistic adults and those with other learning differences to empower them to live independent, self-directed lives as valued community members.

LifeWorks strives to facilitate a living, learning environment that empowers young autistic adults to realize their full potential and successfully lead lives of independence, self-direction, and inclusion. We believe in providing support that is guided by each participant’s unique desires, goals, and strengths.

We believe that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to successfully carrying out the mission of LifeWorks. Our staff members, board of directors, student interns, volunteers, and participants embrace diversity and are committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, language, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, religious or spiritual beliefs. We value diverse perspectives and appreciate how they enrich the LifeWorks community.

Participants First – We value each participant as an individual – having unique backgrounds, talents, and life dreams. We believe that all people have inherent value and should be defined by their gifts and abilities rather than diagnosis, label or learning style.

Community Inclusion – We believe that community membership can facilitate invaluable personal opportunities, resources, and relationships. We hold that all individuals deserve access and opportunity to fully engage in all areas of the community – including work, living, and leisure.

Valued Social Roles – Individuals with autism are often marginalized because of societal attitudes and misperceptions. We believe that gaining valued social roles (i.e., employee, volunteer, neighbor) better positions individuals with autism to experience the good things in life – acceptance, respect, friendship, career opportunities, safety and so on.

Community Contribution & Employment – Individuals with autism possess tremendous potential to make meaningful contributions to society through employment. We believe that possessing the ability to secure and maintain employment is perhaps the most important step to reaching independence.

About LifeWorks & the Bowling Green Community

The LifeWorks campus is located near the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC) and sits adjacent to the main campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY.

Our residential apartment complex for LifeWorks participants – the Julie & Gary Ransdell Living and Learning Community – is located directly behind the LifeWorks Education & Administrative Building. The entire campus, including buildings and grounds, was completely renovated in Spring 2020. The apartments contain all appliances, including a washer & dryer.

The administrative building boasts several large classrooms, multiple-purpose rooms, as well as small and large conference rooms. Central to the facility is a modern, spacious, and comfortable gathering area and large teaching-kitchen. A comfortable lounge & game room is located on the second floor. Participants are provided after-hours and weekend access to the lounge as the second floor exterior doors are equipped with keyless door locks.

LifeWorks is also proud to host a satellite location of the Warren County Public Library. With a full-time librarian onsite, this branch located on the 2nd floor of the LifeWorks building, provides materials, programs, and services exclusively for the LifeWorks community. The hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. (Branch hours are subject to change.)

Leading from the administrative building to the living community is a large patio deck used for social events or relaxing with friends. For added safety and security, LifeWorks also provides a courtesy apartment for a police officer with the Bowling Green Police Department.

The LifeWorks campus is within walking distance of beautiful, historic downtown Bowling Green, Fountain Square Park, Circus Square Park, Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, and the Bowling Green Ball Park – home of the minor league Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball team. Many local restaurants and shops are located in the convenient downtown area.