At Compassion First, we understand the importance of support for youth with autism and other neurodivergences, especially as they prepare for adulthood. Our Youth Program is designed to provide the guidance and resources they need to thrive.

We focus on building important life skills and promoting self-advocacy, helping young individuals gain confidence and make meaningful connections with their peers. One of the great benefits of our program is that as they turn 18, they can smoothly transition into our Adult Day Program. This allows them to continue their journey with familiar faces and friends, making the transition to adulthood much easier and more comfortable. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every young person can reach their full potential and feel confident as they move forward in life.

Youth Programs

Youth Peer Connections

Our youth program runs from 3-5pm Monday thru Friday. Open to ages 7+, here’s a peek at what our week looks like!

Motivational Mondays

Kicking off the week with Motivational Mondays helps our youth set positive intentions, build confidence, and cultivate a growth mindset. These sessions inspire them to overcome challenges, stay focused on their goals, and approach each new day with enthusiasm and resilience. Motivational Mondays empower young people to believe in themselves and embrace the opportunities ahead, fostering a mindset for success throughout the week.

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays are all about boosting self-esteem, celebrating achievements, and encouraging a positive outlook. Through engaging activities, team-building exercises, and uplifting conversations, we help our youth recognize their strengths and build confidence. These sessions foster a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to shine, making each Tuesday a day to feel proud and motivated.

Wednesdays: Featured Programs

Our Wednesdays focus on special programs we put together, like an eight-week introduction to podcasting that aims to teach the kids how to create, market, and produce a podcast themselves.

Retro Thursdays

Retro Thursdays remind our youth that you don’t need screens or electronics to have a great time. Through classic games, outdoor activities, and creative play, we encourage them to connect with each other, use their imagination, and enjoy simple, timeless fun. These sessions help kids appreciate the value of face-to-face interaction and active play, fostering teamwork, creativity, and a balanced approach to entertainment.

Fridays - Cooking/Baking/Budgeting

Learning to cook and bake is more than just preparing meals—it's about gaining independence, building confidence, and understanding nutrition. Coupled with budgeting, these skills teach our youth how to make smart financial decisions, plan meals within a budget, and develop a sense of responsibility. Friday's focus on cooking, baking, and budgeting equips young people with practical, lifelong skills that foster self-sufficiency and healthy habits, setting them up for success now and in the future