Since 2008, LifeTown, has provided students in grades 4-12 with multiple disabilities, including autism and physical and cognitive impairments, with life, social and pre- vocational skills to function in the real world. LifeTown began through a partnership with Columbus City Schools to develop a near-perfect simulation of a traditional community environment, complete with: Bank, Library, Park, Movie Theater, Medical Offices, Store, Pet Place, Deli, Beauty Salon, Art Workshop. These learning environments allow a child to experiment with realistic situations where social and safety risks are mitigated and controlled. Through role-play in the LifeTown village, students engage in age and skill appropriate lessons in important life skills such as: o Managing a banking account o Applying and interviewing for a job o Demonstrating knowledge of traffic and safety rules The goal of LifeTown is to help students with special needs acquire and/or improve life, social and pre-employment skills that are directly tied to their Individual Education Plan. Life skills learned and practiced at LifeTown will also help students be better prepared to meet the demands of adult life and community living upon graduation. Volunteer: As a non-profit organization, all ten venues in our LifeTown village are staffed by caring volunteers. Volunteers are needed Monday - Friday, from 9:30am to Noon. Having 30-60 students with disabilities visit LifeTown each day, there is a need for approximately 15-20 volunteers daily to run the village effectively and efficiently. We welcome all individuals and groups (i.e.organizations, small businesses and corporations) to volunteer as often as they would like. Please contact Nancy Eisenman at lifetown.columbus@gmail.com or call 614-939-0765 for more information and/or to volunteer.