SA Life Academy and Brighton Center are partnering to create job training opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities while supporting local caregivers.
SAN ANTONIO — Two San Antonio nonprofits are joining forces to better support families and guardians caring for loved ones with intellectual disabilities.
The SA Life Academy and the Brighton Center are collaborating on a business training initiative designed to build leadership skills, promote independence and create practical solutions for families in Bexar County.
At the center of the partnership is SA Life Academy’s “Rising Stars” coffee truck program. Launched in September, the mobile coffee business gives adults with intellectual disabilities hands-on experience preparing drinks and baked goods while learning customer service and basic business operations.
Organizers say the goal goes beyond serving coffee. The program teaches valuable life skills, from handling transactions to working as a team, helping participants build confidence and prepare for future employment opportunities.
On Wednesday, SA Life Academy leaders are training staff from the Brighton Center on how the coffee truck operates, with the hope that similar programs can be developed to serve children and families supported by Brighton.
The collaboration comes after a June survey highlighted the challenges many Bexar County caregivers face. Among the findings: some guardians reported having to leave their jobs to provide full-time care, and roughly one-third said they lack outside resources or respite support.
Advocates say programs like Rising Stars can be part of the solution, providing meaningful work opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities while also offering families additional support and pathways to independence.
The training session begins at 8 a.m. Community members can follow SA Life Academy to find out when and where the Rising Stars coffee truck will be serving next.