On a crisp October morning in Alamo Heights, students from San Antonio Life Academy greeted shoppers at a pop‑up market held in the parking lot of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Jake Ramirez, a 24‑year‑old student with autism, manned a T‑shirt stand while classmates sold handmade earrings, dog treats, breads and salsas. At the far end of the lot, the Rising Stars coffee truck served americanos and lattes prepared by the students.
Hands‑on pre‑vocational training
SA Life Academy, a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), calls its participants “stars.” The academy offers classes in art, health, yoga and other subjects, but it has recently broadened its focus to include pre‑vocational training. According to Samantah Kidwell, executive director and head of school, the market and coffee truck give students real‑world experience in customer service, inventory management and teamwork – the core skills needed in any business.
“They are working on their pre‑vocational skills like customer service, inventory. They make all the products that they’re selling, and they also work on teamwork, kind of how businesses run,” Kidwell said.
Proceeds support the program
All money earned at the market and from the coffee truck is returned to the academy to fund its career‑development track. While the program does not yet provide formal job coaching, Kidwell explained that expanding employment opportunities is a primary goal.
“We don’t do any job coaching or employment right now,” she said, “but that’s kind of like what our next end goal would be.”
Students finding paid work
Several participants already hold part‑time jobs or volunteer in the community. Three graduates have secured full‑time positions, including 28‑year‑old Becca Major, who now restocks shelves at H‑E‑B. Major praised the chance to earn her own money and receive support from managers.
“I like the people I get to work with, like my coworkers and managers,” she said. “I like that if I don’t know where something goes, I can ask my manager and they’ll help me. I also like to make my own money, too, and I feel honored that I get to be paid for the hard work I get to do.”
Future plans: a storefront
Looking ahead, Kidwell hopes to open a brick‑and‑mortar shop called Cindy’s Cottage, where students can gain additional retail experience. The project was initially slated for 2027, but funding challenges have pushed the timeline to 2028.
Meeting a growing need
Since its founding in 2017 by two advocate parents, SA Life Academy has served roughly 170 adults, with a waiting list that persists each year. A 2018 study by the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation estimated that about 21,600 adults in Bexar County have autism spectrum disorder or an IDD, with demand projected to rise to 27,000 by 2030.
Recent research from the IDD Champions Coalition, which includes SA Life Academy, surveyed 800 families and found that 75 % struggle to access services and 80 % lack an adult‑care plan. The coalition reported that 32 % of caregivers quit their jobs to meet care demands, underscoring the importance of programs like SA Life Academy that offer flexible, part‑time attendance.
Community impact
Beyond skill building, the market and coffee truck provide a welcoming space for families and neighbors. “We just try to make sure that we’re just being welcoming,” Ramirez said. “Greeting everyone in the community, making sure they feel comfortable here at SA Life Academy.”
The next market will feature a Christmas theme on December 15, and the coffee truck will continue serving the public three mornings a week. As the academy expands its classrooms and plans for a storefront, it aims to give more adults with IDDs the chance to lead vibrant, productive lives while supporting their families.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
