July Recap: Collaboration, Progress and Purpose

In July, our P2P Core Work Group (CWG) remained committed to collaboration, progress, and shared purpose. Serving as the hub that brings together project sponsors, CILs, LEAs, and collaborators, the CWG is driving forward our collective mission. Highlights from this month include implementation planning, new partnerships, team celebrations, and strategic preparation for the upcoming School Year 2025–26 (SY26).

Cohort 1 P2P service teams continued working together for SY26 implementation. We are grateful for the ongoing partnerships between the local CILs and LEAs and are excited to begin soon.

• Disability Connections/Warner Robins Middle and Feagin Mill Middle- Begin August 2025
• NWGACIL/Cedartown Middle and Rockmart Middle- Planning meeting August 13, 2025
• Walton Options/Grovetown Middle- October 7, 2025

Cohort 1 CILs expanded their children and youth with disabilities programming offerings. The Cohort 1 CILs invited children and youth with disabilities to join in engaging summer experiences allowing them to grow in their individual independent living skills, make connections with CIL staff, and gain knowledge and access to valuable resources. These CILs were teeming with excitement as participating children and youth engaged in summer learning adventures, such as Virtual Vacay, Hydroponics and Cooking, Multimedia, Music, and a local town Scavenger Hunt. We are so grateful to our Cohort 1 CILs for their creativity and innovation to engage even more children and youth, as well as families, with their respective CIL.

After establishing a solid base through Cohort 1, Cohort 2 is moving forward. The CWG has facilitated connections between local LEAs and the CILs serving their regions. This fall, Access 2 Independence CIL will begin its work with Richards Middle School, and MultipleChoices CIL will soon launch its work with Elbert County Schools. Additionally, the team is currently working to partner with two more LEAs and is excited to share the new partnerships in next month’s recap. These partnerships create greater access to resources, increasing the likelihood of success for individuals with disabilities.

Lastly, P2P service areas continue to support Bridging the Gap Youth in accomplishing their Independent Living, Work Integration and Post-Secondary or Employment Goals. In the post event touchpoint, the team reflected on successes, challenges and solutions to help guide the program into its second year. Of the 24 students who were enrolled in the BTG program, 10 have taken the next step by enrolling in a post-secondary program or engaging with an employment program. Click here to check out the interview from one of the BTG participants, Destiny Jones.