Programs & Curriculum

Programs & Curriculum

Overview

The Guild focuses on continued life skills that each individual needs for greater independence both at home and in the community. We offer a variety of post-secondary education options for our young adult members, including life skills programs, vocational training/internships, and artist guild training. The Guild is in the process of becoming a Supported Employment vendor to further our mission of engaging Guild members in work and community. Continued academics (reading and math skills) may be part of a member’s weekly schedule to further employment opportunities and independence.

Life Skills Training

Our members continue to develop and strengthen their daily life skills through all of the various programs offered at The Guild. Life skills include:

  • Time and financial management
  • Self-care and wellness practices
  • Social skills and bodily awareness
  • Emotional management and balance
  • Meal preparation
  • Personal goal setting

Artist Guild Training

Through our various training programs, members of The Guild develop various creative skills that may translate to professional work in a variety of artistic or creative fields. Members can take on new levels of responsibility and expertise over time, making the journey from Apprentice, to Journeyman, to Master Craftsperson.

Woven towel made in The Guild's Fiber Studio

Fiber Studio

The Fiber Studio, our weavery, offers a wide range of hand-working opportunities such as weaving, sewing, and felting. Items are then sold within the local community.

Ceramic coffee cups made by Guild members

Ceramics Program

Small group weekly ceramics classes are offered in partnership with Mess Arts. Working with clay requires a lot of will power to transform hard earth into something that is both useful and beautiful. Items made in the community studio class are also sold from time to time in the community.

Guild artwork hangs in the window

Multimedia Arts Instruction

Members can choose to participate in weekly arts instruction that includes instruction in creative writing, drama, studio art, cooking and baking.

Community and Career Programming

 

Community Life Engagement

Community Life Engagement programming connects Guild members with organizations and businesses in the community in an effort to align activities with their individual interests, foster the development of meaningful relationships, and increase membership in their community

Pre-Vocational Training Career Planning

Pre-Voc services are designed to create a path to integrated, individual, community employment, in typical businesses.  Career planning may include self-exploration activities, vocational assessments, financial literacy, or work-based internships to name a few.

Volunteering

Guild members actively volunteer at local non profits such as New Orleans Community Fridges, ricRACKnola, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum.

A Day at The Guild

8:15–8:45 am

9:00 am
Morning Meeting, review of daily schedules and upcoming community events

9:00–12:00 pm
On and off-site programming. Includes a 30-minute break

12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch and social time

1:00–2:45 pm
Afternoon programming (on and off site) Yoga, Drama, Community Outings, Life Skills

3:00–5:00 pm
Extended Day Program (additional fees may apply)