Local organization supports young adults with disabilities to achieve independence

Colleen Burtka, the revenue development manager for On My Own of Michigan, talks with pride about Independence College and its first graduating class. The college helps people with developmental disabilities learn skills to become more independent. 

“Students learn daily living and executive functioning skills, which enable them to successfully navigate independent living. The curriculum incorporates eight domains of independent living instruction, including health and wellness, home management, money management, and employment,” Burtka says.

Independence College was created to help bridge the gap students felt between their learning experience and living independently. 

“The college was dreamt up to give students the opportunity to live on their own in a safe and supported environment where they could learn the skills they need to fully live on their own. Their families appreciate the opportunity knowing the students are on their own, but not on an island, with a wealth of resources and support staff through On My Own,” Burtka says.

For the four students of the first Independence College class, their graduation was bittersweet. Students had experienced many firsts: their first time going out to eat on their own, their first paycheck, and their first apartment. 

The organization is working to continue to grow the college program. 

“Right now, we’re actively strengthening our partnerships with local employers and workforce development programs that help create real-world job training and employment opportunities for our students,” Burtka says. She is excited about the college’s next chapter, eventually locating the program within a planned housing development.

Serving Folks with Disabilities Since 1997

For over 20 years, the Troy-based nonprofit has served people with developmental disabilities like autism and Down syndrome. Its inception was by parents of children with disabilities who had nowhere to turn for independent living.

“After much consideration and planning, these founding families created what they had been searching so long for, a supportive, inclusive community that allowed their children to live their best lives,” Burtka says. She joined the organization with more than a decade of experience in the private sector and was impressed with the leadership and the mission of the group after her daughter was involved in Independence Prep, one of the organization’s programs. 

The organization also offers programs such as Independence College, 1:1 coaching, skill building, and independent living. These programs are implemented by staff members, including social workers and educators, and are typically held throughout neighborhoods where members travel to museums, parks, and other locations, helping to build connections.

On My Own is very active within schools and fostering relationships with educators and parents. It also spreads awareness on social media with success stories about its members and their contributions within their communities. 

But many of its programs have experienced financial shortfalls in recent years. Critical deficits occurred from 2014 to 2017, which the organization addressed by restructuring its staffing, building an operating reserve, improving its staff compensation and benefits, assuring staff retention, and creating a right-sized budget. These improvements resulted in the group doubling its programs and recognition in 2022 as one of Crain’s Detroit Business Best Managed Nonprofits.

Next on their radar is Independence Village. One of the most pressing needs for people with developmental disabilities is finding a place to live with services to help them achieve independence. 

“Some people need support with money management or learning to cook healthy meals, while others may want to learn to use public transportation or to make their own medical appointments. Some people require assistance with obtaining and holding a job, and others may need benefits coordination. And as people age, they might need support with tasks they could once do on their own,” Burtka says. 

The organization is currently working to secure a location in Oakland County and funding to support the project.