Achievement Center - Easterseals

05/14/2026

A huge THANK YOU to 7 Brew Coffee for treating us at the Achievement Center to delicious iced coffee today! ☕💙

Your kindness and generosity truly brightened our day and put smiles on so many faces. We are so thankful for businesses like you that support and encourage our community.

We appreciate you so much, thank you again for thinking of us!

05/13/2026

We’re excited to shine this week’s Consumer Spotlight on Destiny for reaching an incredible milestone, completing her first 90 days at Yum Yum Bowls! 🎉

Destiny has worked extremely hard, stayed dedicated, and continues to do an amazing job in her role. Her growth, determination, and positive attitude have truly stood out, and we are so proud of everything she has accomplished so far. Reaching 90 days is a huge achievement, and Destiny has earned every bit of this success through her commitment and perseverance.

We also want to give a special shoutout to Ariana Rodriguez, Destiny’s Employment Specialist, for the incredible support and encouragement she provides to her consumers every day. Ariana consistently goes above and beyond, works tirelessly to help her consumers succeed, and does an outstanding job building confidence and opportunities for those she supports.

Congratulations, Destiny, on this amazing accomplishment! Your hard work is paying off, and we cannot wait to see all the great things ahead for you. 👏💙

05/06/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Caroline Greene🌟
Caroline has been with the Easterseals Achievement Center for over a year, growing from intern to Program Manager. She’s passionate about helping individuals build confidence, gain skills, and achieve independence. Through her work, she helps participants prepare for success both in the workplace and in everyday life by providing support with resume building, interview preparation, goal setting, transportation, and other essential life skills. Caroline is driven by seeing individuals achieve their goals and believes that with the right support, everyone has the opportunity to succeed and make a meaningful impact in their community.

04/30/2026

April may be coming to a close, but Autism Awareness isn’t something that fits inside a single month; it’s something we carry with us every day.

At Achievement Center Easterseals, we don’t just see diagnoses; we see individuals with unique strengths, perspectives, and incredible potential. For many people on the autism spectrum, the opportunity to work isn’t just about a paycheck. It’s about independence, dignity, confidence, and belonging.

Yet too often, barriers still stand in the way, misunderstanding, lack of access, or environments that aren’t built with neurodiversity in mind.

That’s where we come in.

Every day, we work alongside individuals with disabilities, including those with autism, to help them discover their abilities, build skills, and find meaningful employment. We partner with employers, advocate for inclusion, and create pathways where there once were roadblocks.

Because when workplaces become more inclusive, they don’t just change lives, they become stronger, more innovative, and more human.

As Autism Awareness Month ends, we invite you to keep the conversation going:
💙 Choose understanding over assumptions
💙 See ability where others may overlook it
💙 Support inclusive hiring and workplaces

“Be curious, not judgmental.” — Walt Whitman

Awareness is just the beginning. Acceptance is the goal. Opportunity is the outcome.

04/22/2026

🌟 Consumer Spotlight: Adriana & Jakel 🌟

We are proud to recognize two outstanding individuals, Adriana and Jakel, for their incredible achievements at ID Plastics in Auburn!

Adriana has gone above and beyond in her role, taking initiative to train new employees and even rewriting machine instructions to improve efficiency and clarity. Her leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on her team and workplace.

Jakel has excelled in Quality Control, where his attention to detail and commitment to excellence have significantly improved overall product quality, raising standards by more than half. His hard work truly makes a difference every day.

Both Adriana and Jakel exemplify what it means to work with determination, pride, and purpose. We couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments and the positive impact they continue to make.

👏 Please join us in celebrating Adriana and Jakel!

04/16/2026

🌟 Business Spotlight Series – First Installment! 🌟

We’re excited to launch our Business Spotlight Series, where we highlight local businesses that have opened their doors to our consumers and the meaningful impact it’s creating for everyone involved.

Today, we’re proud to spotlight ID Plastics in Auburn! 👏

They have hired two of our consumers, and we’re thrilled to share that both individuals have been doing exceptionally well. Their hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes have made a real impact not only in their own lives, but within the workplace as well.

This partnership is a great example of how inclusive hiring benefits everyone. Businesses gain committed, capable team members, and our consumers gain valuable experience, confidence, and opportunities to grow. 💼✨

We are grateful to ID Plastics for their support and for believing in the potential of our consumers.

🎥 Check out the video to hear more about this inspiring partnership!

03/20/2026

🌟 Consumer Spotlight: Jacob Carroll 🌟
Meet Jacob Carroll, one of our incredible participants at the Achievement Center!
When he’s not working toward his goals, Jacob enjoys going to concerts, traveling on vacations, and trying new things. He has a great sense of adventure and is always open to new experiences.
Jacob first connected with the Achievement Center through ADRS, which began his journey in the job development program.
One of Jacob’s favorite things about coming to the Achievement Center is seeing Ms. Lisa White, who always brightens his day and brings a positive energy to his visits.
A major accomplishment Jacob is proud of is making the decision to leave a job he held for four years, a big and courageous step toward new opportunities and personal growth.
Jacob’s advice for anyone thinking about coming to the Achievement Center:
“Be patient the job market is tough!”
We are proud to support Jacob on his journey and look forward to all he will accomplish in the future! 💙

03/15/2026

03/13/2026

🌟 Consumer Spotlight: Jonathan Jacobsen 🌟
Jonathan is a determined, genuine, and creative individual who loves bringing joy to others. He is proud of earning his driver’s license after completing a six-hour training course with the Achievement Center and running his own balloon animal business that makes people smile. Jonathan is currently working toward obtaining his GED, purchasing a vehicle, and expanding his balloon animal business. We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and excited to see all he achieves next! 🎈

03/11/2026

🚗 FREE Summer Driver’s Education Opportunity!🚗
We’re excited to share an amazing opportunity for local students this summer! Thanks to the Alabama After School and Student Enrichment Programs Grant (provided through the Coronavirus Recovery Funds Office), the Achievement Center–Easterseals is offering FULLY PAID driver’s education training.

🎉 What’s Available

We have 12 FREE spots available:

6 Permit Training Spots

6 Behind-the-Wheel Driving Spots
(See flyers for full program descriptions.)

📍 Who Can Apply

Students who currently live in or graduated this school year from schools in:
Lee, Russell, Tallapoosa, Macon, or Chambers County

🪪 Age Requirements

Permit Training: Must be 15 years or older

Behind-the-Wheel: Must be 16+ and have held a learner’s permit for at least 6 months

(If you’re over 18, there’s no waiting period requirement.)

📅 When

Summer 2026 — June through August
Schedules will be set individually with instructors.

📞 How to Apply

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Contact:
Amara Knight
Director of Vocational Services, Achievement Center–Easterseals
📞 334-745-3501
📧 amara@achievement-center.org

🚦 Whether you’re getting ready for your permit or ready to get behind the wheel, this is a great chance to learn to drive at no cost. Please share with families and students who might benefit!