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Our Programs

Programs & Criteria

Our goal is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to develop their skills, achieve independence, and live with dignity. Through commitment, advocacy, and family support, we aim to bridge the gap and create partnerships within the community and abroad with complete dedication.

Program Vision

The Kindness Development Center Inc. (KDCI) is shaping a world where our students can find passion and purpose in a nurturing environment.  The vision of the leadership and our innovative programming is to create space for youth and young adults to develop new skills and a sense of themselves that can exist in any surroundings and flourish in any field.  We are grooming and growing leaders who will demonstrate that, with support and guidance, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can indeed do anything they desire. 

Our Programs

Getting Ready For Opportunities In Work Program (G.R.O.W.)

Our dedicated Vocational Counselors provide comprehensive job readiness, communication, and life skills lessons. The multi-week YEES program aims to equip students with pre-vocational training and education. KINDNESS DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER is dedicated to supporting schools in Pauling County and the Atlanta Metropolitan area.

PRE-ETS Program

Prepares students for post-secondary education & employment, including job exploration, work-based learning, Postsecondary Counseling, and more.

Summer Services

Summer/School Break program will be offered onsite and off site. Our program includes: Career Exploration, Field trips, Skill set demonstration, Guest Speakers and hands on real work opportunities. Activity based learning activities strengthens job readiness skills in a practical way, All summer and school Break Sessions follow (GROW) Getting Ready For Opportunities To Work. Model: Incudes a focus on Self Advocacy, Work Readiness training, job Exploration, Work Based Learning, and counseling on Post-Secondary Opportunities.

Y.E.E.S. (Youth Early Employment Services)

An incentive designed program for youths (14-21) that combines lessons and hands on training in school setting. KDCI partners with local schools to provide a tailored curriculum from experienced trained vocational counselors. Job Readiness, life Skills and Communication. YEES is a core part of our services and is provided over several weeks and will provide pre-vocational training and education. KDCI will service schools in Paulding County and schools across the metro Atlanta areas. YEES is an innovative program designed to empower students with disabilities, ages 14-21, through hands-on training in a school setting. KINDNESS DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER collaborates with local schools to deliver a tailored curriculum based on G.R.O.W.

P.L.U.G.  (Parents are Life's Ultimate Gift)

Tools & Workshops for Parents as they guide their children, helping parents understand why they are the secret sauce.
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Purchase the PLUG book!

PLUG - Parents Life’s Ultimate Gift : Steps to Raising Healthy Children In A World of Insanity
written by our co-founder, Delores Wallace!
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Bridges

A collaboration with YEES to bridge families and youths with disabilities. We offer parent support through our P.L.U.G. (Parents are Life's Ultimate Gift) family education, workshops, social events, and activities during and throughout the year to bridge the gaps and make lasting friendships. Bridges are open to youth 14-21 eligible for YEES services and their families.

Y.E.E.S. SUMMER/SCHOOL BREAK PROGRAM

Available both on and off-site, offers engaging opportunities for career exploration, field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on real work experiences through our on-site Kindness Cafe. All sessions and break activities with the G.R.O.W. "Getting Ready for Opportunities to Work" module focus on self-advocacy, work readiness training, job exploration, work-based learning, and counseling on post-secondary opportunities.

Who Will Be Serviced

Youth and Young Adults
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Youth and young adults with a disability such as autism, traumatic brain injury, deafness or hearing impairment, blindness, developmental delays, emotional disturbances, specific learning disabilities, speech or learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, certain physical impairments and more.

Adult Services

Individuals partner with dedicated employment specialists to chart a customized employment plan that propels them toward their career aspirations. Job Placement Services deliver targeted support in pinpointing and securing job opportunities.

Admission Criteria

Kindness Developmental Center offers multiple cohorts each year serving up to 15 students within each program of the academy. All applicants will be assessed for enrollment based upon their ability to meet identified criteria including:

- Young Adults with disability
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- Have been served under individuals with disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
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- Ability to function independently for extended periods of time
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- Personal behaviors and emotional control Desire and motivation to obtain employment
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- Must be willing to self pay tuition and/or engage with alternative financial support options

Kindness Developmental Center has an ongoing application for the Academy, whereby the students have the right to apply anytime submission of a completed application. Students will be required to provide applicable required documentation as well as engage in an interview assessment to determine eligibility for the academy.

Helpful Info

Please remember the following information:‍

Outing events may have limited availability, so early registration is essential. Our outings and activities are free for our youth and families. However, we suggest that students and families bring some funds if they plan to make any purchases.

Volunteers are welcome.

FAQs

Questions & Answers

Questions about our curriculum, methodologies, and student enrollment process.

How is a person referred to the Kindness Developmental Center?

Referrals are accepted from vocational rehab services, schools, agencies, or directly from families. Applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria. After review, an intake interview is scheduled. To learn more or begin the process, please call 404-992-0773.

What does the Kindness Center's curriculum focus on?

The Kindness Center’s programs are built around core standards designed to prepare students for workplace success. These include life skills for day-to-day independence, social skills for positive interactions, and vocational skills that provide hands-on job readiness. Each lesson is delivered through individualized, immersive training to ensure students are confident and capable as they transition into the workforce.

How do students benefit from Kindness Center programs?

Students at the Kindness Center gain more than just job skills, they experience immersive vocational training that builds confidence and prepares them for real-world employment. Through on-site and community-based instruction, they develop life skills, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy. Every lesson is designed to help them grow into confident, contributing citizens.

How does the community benefit from Kindness Center programs?

The Kindness Center strengthens the community by preparing more individuals to enter the workforce and contribute meaningfully to the local economy. Employers gain access to skilled, qualified workers while advancing their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals. The result is a more just, empowered society where opportunity truly belongs to all.