Program Details

Program participants will be paid employees as they receive important life and employment training. They will gain first-hand experience in the food service industry including food preparation and presentation, the proper use and cleaning of all equipment and customer service skills.

Depending on their comfort level, employees will be allowed to choose whether to remain in the kitchen preparing food or work at the counter serving our guests directly. On-site gardens, greenhouses and chicken coop will teach employees how to tend, harvest and sell fresh produce and eggs. Working hand in hand with the planned construction of an adjoining bed & breakfast/event venue will also allow our employees the opportunity to learn about hospitality and housekeeping.

When there is no private event scheduled, Sammy Jun's will turn into a fun clubhouse. Program participants can choose to attend free, special needs only events like social dances, art & craft making or photography classes. Enjoy a little kite flying or other outdoor activities. Or maybe sit quietly and assemble a jigsaw puzzle.

“On three national measures of employment of persons with significant disabilities, Alabama comes up dead last. On the fourth measure, we fared a little better - but not much - coming in 47th place.”

The mission for our program is to do what we can to change that statistic and to enrich the lives of young adults living with Autism, Downs’s Syndrome and other intellectual or developmental disabilities by providing hands-on vocational training, teaching foundational skills that will enable them to live their life to its fullest potential while promoting a sense of individuality, accomplishment and the self-confidence that comes with leading a meaningful life.

Children with disabilities become adults with disabilities. Adults with disabilities share the common desire of being productive and respected members of the community. Employees of Sammy Jun’s Snack Shack will master essential qualities that will encourage skill building, self-sufficiency and vocational learning. Our vision is to create a safe and nurturing environment where adults with special needs can obtain individual stimulation, receive community interaction and realize the pride and dignity that comes with earning a paycheck of their very own. Each day we will wake up and go to work in hopes to make a positive impact on someone’s life.