G.R.O.W. U.P.
Life Skills & Transition Readiness
G.R.O.W. UP is G.R.O.W.’s life-skills and transition-readiness program for youth and young adults with disabilities and their caregivers. The program helps families prepare for adulthood by making important transition information and practical life skills easier to understand and navigate.
As part of G.R.O.W.’s Autism Family Inclusion specialty, G.R.O.W. UP is intentionally designed with autistic individuals and their caregivers in mind.
Preparing for adulthood can involve many decisions for individuals with disabilities and their families. G.R.O.W. UP helps participants build knowledge, confidence and practical skills while connecting caregivers with information and resources that can support the transition to adult life.
G.R.O.W. UP will initially be developed through Greater Cleveland-based partnerships, with future Youngstown and Mahoning Valley expansion planned as funding and community partnerships are secured.
WHAT WE FOCUS ON
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Independent Living Skills — Practical skills that support greater independence at home and in the community.
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Cooking & Household Safety — Basic cooking, household routines and safety skills for everyday adult life.
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Education & Employment Readiness — Information that helps families explore postsecondary education, employment and vocational pathways.
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Benefits & Resource Navigation — Educational information about programs and resources that may support eligible individuals and families.
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Guardianship & Supported Decision-Making — Educational resources to help families learn about options as a young person approaches adulthood.
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STABLE Accounts — Education about Ohio’s ABLE savings program and how eligible individuals and families can learn more about disability-related savings.
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Community Connections — Connections to organizations and transition resources that can support individuals and caregivers as they plan for adulthood.
WHO WE SERVE
G.R.O.W. UP is designed for transition-age youth, young adults with disabilities and their caregivers. Through G.R.O.W.’s Autism Family Inclusion specialty, the program intentionally considers the transition needs of autistic individuals and their families.
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WHY IT MATTERS
The transition to adulthood can require families to navigate unfamiliar systems, new responsibilities and important decisions. Clear information, practical skills and trusted community connections can help individuals and caregivers approach that transition with greater preparation and confidence.
G.R.O.W. UP helps families prepare for what’s next—one practical step at a time.
REQUEST SUPPORT?
STABLE Accounts (ABLE Savings)
Ohio STABLE Accounts are ABLE savings and investment accounts designed to help eligible individuals with disabilities save for qualified disability expenses while receiving certain means-tested benefits. G.R.O.W. UP provides educational information to help families understand STABLE Accounts and connect with official resources to determine eligibility and learn how the program works.
Exciting News! 🎉
We’re proud to share that Grow Up has received funding for our 2025 pilot launch from Next for Autism!
This support is an exciting step forward as we continue building and growing our mission.
We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity and look forward to what’s ahead.
Thank you to Next for Autism for believing in Grow Up and supporting our journey!
