MISSION

A Whole New World is a non-profit organization committed to helping adults with developmental and intellectual exceptionalities live fulfilling lives by providing opportunities for social groups, community trips, jobs, and travel adventures. Through these experiences, we strive to create purpose, community integration, meaningful friendships, self-confidence, independence, and personal growth.

Over 9 million people have cognitive exceptionalities in the United States and almost 200,000 in Arizona. (Winsor, Landa, Perumal, & Butterworth, 2019) Due to the lack of opportunities, we don't see these individuals participating as members of society nearly enough. Not only are quality opportunities scarce but many of the programs are tucked away from society rather than IN society. And while many of these adult programs are well-intentioned, too many of them resemble child daycares. Well-intentions are not enough. 77% of young adults with exceptionalities report feeling lonely and have more restricted social networks. (Gilmore & Cuskelly, 2014) (Lippold, Burns, 2009) Over 75% of adults with exceptionalities get zero aerobic physical activity. (https://tinyurl.com/yckhxd83) And only 4.9% of adults with cognitive exceptionalities are working in integrated employment in Arizona. (Winsor, Landa, Perumal, & Butterworth, 2019)

At A Whole New World, we believe that every individual deserves to be a participant in society and have access to meaningful opportunities. Our goal is to provide low-cost social groups, activities, and trips that will expand the knowledge of our participants while also encouraging the development of social skills, confidence, and a sense of self. Our activities are focused on improving the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental exceptionalities and enhancing inclusion in society. We aim to support the whole individual through experiences that will challenge and broaden their world intellectually while mentoring and building the individuals socially as well.

Our programs are designed to help develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and independence IN society, with other members of the community and world. We provide a positive, loving, and fun atmosphere with high expectations.

At A Whole New World, we look at ABILITIES and see every individual as capable. Our approach is to allow independence to happen first and foremost before providing supports. We do not believe in coddling or "babying" the adults we work with. We see every individual as whole. This approach helps each individual to develop a sense of self and access their full potential.

WHO WE SERVE

We serve adults with mild intellectual and developmental exceptionalities including but not limited to Down Syndrome and Autism who are at least 18 years old and have transitioned from high school.