Three Programs - One Location
1118 Magnolia Ave
Panama City, Florida
32401
(850) 785-5056
Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School
Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School (CLSCS)l is secondary school authorized by the Bay County (FL) Public School District which provides transition services for students with disabilities from 18 to 22 years old. CLSCS receives state funding from Florida Department of Education based on its student enrollment. As a charter school, Chautauqua enjoys the freedom to develop a student based curriculum using community service and travel to develop independent living skills, employment opportunities, and self awareness . This flexibility is crucial due to the diverse student population and the school’s focus on community involvement. As part of the public school system, Chautauqua does not charge tuition.
Chautauqua Learn & Serve Charter School has a two-fold mission. The first goal is to prepare students with disabilities to enter the post school world with the necessary skills and confidence to be contributing members of civil society. Secondly, but equally important, Chautauqua aims showcase the capabilities of our students and others like them so that society is eager to welcome them with appreciation and understanding. At the same time, Chautauqua hopes to highlight the unintenitonal barriers society often places on people with disabilities as we strive to eliminate these obstacles.
Inspired by the motto of world renowned Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua N.Y., CLSCS is dedicated to the belief that “Everyone has a right to be all that he can be -- to know all that he can know"
Chautauqua Adult Program
The Chautauqua Adult Program (CAP) provides opportunities for adults with disabilitiies over age 22 who are not yet working or in an adult day program to engage with their peers in a supportive environment. CAPs volunteer at the school on a schedule that meets the families’ needs. While at the school they assist with student activities, help maintain the campus, and participate in other community outreach programs. Most members are Chautauqua graduates.
This unfunded program is specifically designed as a bridge for adults with disabilities and their families while they await funding from the Medicaid Waiver Program, which currently has a waiting list of approximately 10 years. All too often these adults spent their days isolated from their peers and the community while waiting for these funds to become available for other services. Through CAP, membors are able to actively participate in the community while waiting for the next step. Chautauqua Adult Program draws inspiration from the words of the late Martin Luther King Junior “Everyone can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
The program is entirely run by volunteers and sustained through donations.
Chautauqua Learn and Serve Arc
The third element of Chautauqua Services is the Chautauqua Learn and Serve Arc. (CLSArc) This program promotes activities related to continuing education and advocacy not just for students and members of CAP, but for anyone who is interested in improving the lives and opportuities for individuals with disabilities. Membership is open to anyone who supports the goals of the Arc -”the promotion and protection of the human rights of people with disabilities and a committment to their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.” Members include, but are not limited to current and former CLSCS students, members of CAP, their families, high school student mentors, and numerous supporters, both local and worldwide.
CLSArc hosts meetings to assist caregivers in navigating the complex systems designed to support individuals with disabilities. It assists in disemminating information from other sources that might be helpful to families. In addition, CLSArc helps plan and support international travel by students as they showcase our program worldwide.
CLSArc does not charge dues. It is financed entirely through donations
Chautauqua Learn and Serve Arc is an affiliate of the Arc Of Florida and is a registered Civil Service Organization with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.