The Day of Appreciation featured a BBQ prepared by students and staff, and CTP students played games, had lunch with community champions, and simply laughed and smiled. At the event, CTP students got to play volleyball with the Ukiah Police Department, throw a football with Mendocino County Superintendent Nicole Glentzer, have lunch with Sheriff Matthew Kendall, hang out with the California Highway Patrol, and take selfies with Redwood Valley and Ukiah Valley Fire!  

Ukiah Unified believes all students are valuable, participatory members of our community and strive to foster a school climate where all students are empowered with a strong sense of belonging. CTP is a Ukiah Unified program located in a residential neighborhood in Ukiah. Staff and students serve and learn at local organizations and businesses offering job training. CTP students work in our community, attend Mendocino College classes, learn daily living skills, and participate in other enrichment activities. 

“The event was rooted in simplicity. I wanted to bring those who champion our special education students together as a way of saying thank you. I dreamed of getting our students together with first responders and community champions to enjoy a day of something different. I often approach counseling and mental health from non-traditional treatment modalities,” commented William Feather. “I like to move, walk and talk and do things we used to do when we were kids. To play.” 

The Community Transition Program aims to provide intensive vocational and living skills training in real settings. Each student determines their own program along with their team, and the program emphasizes self-advocacy and self-determination skills as essential components. 

“Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, many of our students spoke highly of meeting first responders and community champions. When students have a hard time and need extra support, I remind them of those who champion us, remind them that we are not alone and that people care about us,” said Feather. 

A big thank you to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors, Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, Ukiah Valley Fire, Mendocino County Office of Education, City of Ukiah, Redwood Coast Regional Center, Mendocino College, Redwood Valley Fire, and especially our students and staff in the Special Education program. 

For more information about the Community Transition Program, call 707-468-3340 or 707-621-0221.