DRE'S HAVEN
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D re’s Haven Transition Academy — Path2Purpose®
Dre’s Haven Transition Academy: Path2Purpose® is a residential, post-secondary transition academy designed for adults who have aged out of the traditional school system and are on the autism spectrum or have other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through a comprehensive two-year transition program, Dre’s Haven bridges the critical gap between school and independent adulthood within an inclusive, residential education model. Our Academy provides a structured yet empowering environment where students develop the skills, confidence, and real-world experience necessary to live meaningful, self-directed lives.
At the core of the program is the Path2Purpose® curriculum, a proprietary, center-developed framework that integrates academic instruction, experiential learning, and individualized coaching. Instruction is delivered through a dynamic blend of classroom learning, hands-on workshops, applied practice, and one-on-one support. Key areas of focus include independent living skills, employment readiness, social communication, personal safety, self-advocacy, and community integration.
Every aspect of the Academy experience is intentionally designed to promote growth, autonomy, and meaningful participation beyond the classroom. Students are supported in discovering their strengths, clarifying personal goals, and building the practical skills needed to navigate adulthood with confidence.
Workforce Integration & Social Enterprise
Dre’s Haven is also home to a network of mission-driven social enterprises that serve as workforce training environments, employment pathways, and community engagement hubs. These enterprises form the foundation of our workforce integration model, providing students with real-world, supported employment experiences in a variety of settings.
Through the Social Enterprise Program, participants receive individualized skill assessments and training from supported employment specialists, ensuring job placements align with each individual’s abilities, interests, and career goals. Employment opportunities include roles in food preparation and hospitality, custom apparel and t-shirt design, lawn services, and community gardening.
At Dre’s Haven Transition Academy, we do more than prepare individuals for adulthood—we help them discover purpose, build independence, and step confidently into a future filled with opportunity.
Upon completion of the 2-year post-secondary life and vocational skills program, students may earn:
- Occupational & Life Skills Certificate
- Foundations Continuing Education Certificate
- Certificate of Accomplishment in Work Readiness Skills
Dre’s Haven Transition Academy – Path2Purpose®
For many young adults, the transition to life after high school can be challenging — especially for those who may not yet have the academic or social skills to succeed in traditional colleges, universities, or vocational programs. Yet, their desire to learn, grow, and live independently is just as strong.
Dre’s Path 2 Purpose® was created to address a critical service gap faced by neurodivergent adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities who age out of school-based services upon reaching the age of 21. Many -experience an abrupt loss of supports—the “services cliff”—that limits independence, employment, and community participation.
Path2Purpose® bridges this gap through a comprehensive, two-year, post-secondary life-skills, social communication, and Workforce Integration Social Enterprise program within an inclusive college experience. Students receive intensive instruction focusing on independent living, employment readiness, social communication, personal safety, and community integration. Through academic coursework, internships, and campus life, students build the skills they need for competitive employment and some level of independence after graduation.
Every aspect of the Academy experience is intentionally designed to promote growth, autonomy, and meaningful participation and impactful contribution beyond the classroom. Students are supported in discovering their strengths, clarifying personal goals, and building the practical skills needed to navigate adulthood with confidence.
Path2Purpose® is a bold and compassionate next step for Dre's Haven and for Unique Learners to have a place as extraordinary as they are to Live, Learn, Work, Connect, and Flourish. b
Residences at Dre’s Haven Transition Academy Admissions Process
Navigating services for neurodivergent adults can be challenging. For admissions consideration, we’ve established the following requirements:
An Individual must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be ambulant
- Be continent
- Express a willingness to participate in a supported living skills training program and demonstrate an ability to learn and perform the necessary skills.
- Have monthly resources sufficient to pay rent, utilities, and other applicable program fees. (i.e., private pay, Medicaid Waiver, Vocational Rehabilitation, etc.)
- Be motivated and capable of participating in Dre’s Haven programs, activities, and events.
STEP 1: Initial Inquiry
The initial inquiry can be completed over the phone or in person with our Resident Assistant. An application will be provided to individuals who meet the minimum requirements for admission.
STEP 2: Apply to Become a Resident
Fill out the application. If your loved one is a good fit for our community, we will invite them for an observation stay. You are welcome to schedule an optional tour before or after filling out the pre-admission form.
Once the completed application and any supplementary documentation is submitted, Dre’s Haven’s Admissions Team will review it and develop an individualized service plan (ISP).
STEP 3: Lunch or Dinner Tour of Dre’s Haven
The prospective resident and guardians are invited to attend a tour of Dre’s Haven which will include lunch or dinner (their choice) with residents and staff. During the meal, staff will observe and note peer to peer interactions as well as resident to staff interactions. Our team, including a psychologist, behavior analyst and registered nurse, interviews candidates - at no expense to the applicant.
STEP 4: Trial Stay
The prospective resident will be invited to spend an entire day at Dre’s Haven to experience the environment and participate in activities before making a final decision to make it their new home. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only observe the future resident for conditions like separation anxiety, peer compatibility, sleeping patterns but for he/she and their guardians to meet with our Life Coach to review all critical areas of the resident services model and develop an accommodation plan. The team will decide whether or not Dre’s Haven is a good fit, and if so, a Move-in date will be determined. The Admissions agreement, ISP, and accommodation plan will be signed, and apartment move-in inspection will be completed at this time.
STEP 5: Move-In Day! Welcome Home!
Once the following fees are paid, deposit of $250.00, first month’s rent and service fees (according to the rental package selected), Welcome home, you are officially a resident of Dre’s Haven Residential Community Supportive Living Community.
Flourish as a Resident/Student!
Monday- Thursday
9:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
Dre’s Path 2 Purpose offers curriculum-based instruction in a supportive and structured environment that fosters personal growth, skill-building, and community connection.
Fridays will never be the same! No Classes but Club Haven opens at 5:00 p.m. At Club Haven, neurodivergent teens and adults link up for an evening of themed events, delicious food, social activities and memorable fun that fosters connection, lasting friendships, and the opportunity to practice vital social skills
Dre's Haven Office: (229) 627-5471
Dre's Cafe
A mission-driven social enterprise coffee shop providing meaningful, inclusive employment and hands-on job training to neurodivergent teens, adults, and emancipated foster youth. Dre’s Café is a hub that provides our unique staff opportunities to demonstrate that they are talented and able contributors to our community. Serving up delicious cultural dishes at approachable prices, Dre’s Café highlights the rich diversity of Central Florida. As part of our café, we provide catering and serve as a supportive workplace where staff can build workplace skills, customer service experience and confidence in a welcoming, accommodating environment. Every cup or dish sold helps fund vocational development and supported employment, empowering unique learners to contribute to their community, thrive in integrated work settings, and prepare for sustainable careers. .
Boss B Tees
Boss B Tees is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to providing meaningful training and competitively-paid employment for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It's more than an apparel printing venture—it’s a platform for purpose, creativity, and growth.
As a proud Dre's Haven social enterprise, Boss B Tees empowers individuals to turn talent and ideas into wearable art while building real-world skills that last a lifetime.
Every purchase from Boss B Tees is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Community Garden
Gardening has been shown to be a “terrific skill match” for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities as they interact with others and improve their social skills. Dre’s To Grow provides a calming and naturally joyous activity and opportunities that allow participants to advance their life skills, education, health, and overall well-being.
Vocational Training
Workforce Integration Social Enterprise at Dre’s Haven
Dre’s Haven is home to a network of mission-driven social enterprises that function as training grounds, employment pathways, and community engagement hubs. The Social Enterprise program establishes an onsite workforce training center that will utilize supported employment specialists to assess each participant on a range of skills and equip them with the skills necessary for meaningful and competitive employment. Jobs range from customer service, food prep and wait staff to t-shirt design, lawn service and gardening.