A Word from Mignon
theSpace has evolved as the result of the imagining, or notion, of a ‘storefront’, a safe space for individuals too often relegated to the fringes. It has become a place where individuals can, quite literally, drop in and find a ready opportunity to create and connect with others. Once engaged, during this process of connection, they are able to experience a real sense of belonging and self-empowerment.
As a former studio artist, a social worker and counselor, steeped in a relational-cultural approach, I’ve been extremely excited and privileged to support the ‘social nature’ of learning and increased self-efficacy over time, and in a variety of settings. I’ve also been particularly struck by the gap in transition-age supports in our communities, where neurodivergent adults, across their life course, may become lost in a place where there are few progressive and sophisticated opportunities to express genuine personal agency.
As a hub or incubator of sorts, theSpace offers daily workshops for members, and also continues to invite involvement from an array of community partners and sponsors. This while providing training opportunities for facilitators and schools, supporting sustainable and multi-application learning, co-composition and story-making, skills and identity enhancement, and social enterprise opportunities. At the same time, we offer remote and onsite activities, co-working and playing space, as well as artist in residencies, and academic participatory/action-oriented research.
Lastly, but certainly not least, theSpace continues to evolve our microcosm of creativity: supporting a dynamic environment where individuals build friendships and essential and long lasting peer to peer networks---bringing full circle the notion of belonging and community!
Mignon Mildenberger MSW, RSW
Founder and Director theSpace Creative Hub
A Word from John
As the father of an adult child on the Autism spectrum, I know how concerned parents become when we consider what will happen to our children as we age and when we die. As a futurist, I also know that the nature of work is fundamentally transforming (whatever can be automated--will be). These issues, and many other related concerns, bring the parents and families of people with intellectual disabilities to ask the basic question: “How to I prepare my child for the future?”
There is no easy answer to this question, but there are some key elements that must be part of our children’s future, if they are to find a place in the world and flourish as they can. Of prime importance is a context of community, and the need for a creative drive that motivates curiosity and learning. Community provides us with support, belonging, care, engagement, and place to contribute value-- all helping us to create an identity that can grow. In the world of accelerating change, learning is vital all of us. Finding and developing our creative curiosity, gives us all the internal drive to continue the pursuit of learning.
John Verdon
Futurist and Parent
Co-Director/Board Member theSpace Creative Hub
theSpace has evolved as the result of the imagining, or notion, of a ‘storefront’, a safe space for individuals too often relegated to the fringes. It has become a place where individuals can, quite literally, drop in and find a ready opportunity to create and connect with others. Once engaged, during this process of connection, they are able to experience a real sense of belonging and self-empowerment.
As a former studio artist, a social worker and counselor, steeped in a relational-cultural approach, I’ve been extremely excited and privileged to support the ‘social nature’ of learning and increased self-efficacy over time, and in a variety of settings. I’ve also been particularly struck by the gap in transition-age supports in our communities, where neurodivergent adults, across their life course, may become lost in a place where there are few progressive and sophisticated opportunities to express genuine personal agency.
As a hub or incubator of sorts, theSpace offers daily workshops for members, and also continues to invite involvement from an array of community partners and sponsors. This while providing training opportunities for facilitators and schools, supporting sustainable and multi-application learning, co-composition and story-making, skills and identity enhancement, and social enterprise opportunities. At the same time, we offer remote and onsite activities, co-working and playing space, as well as artist in residencies, and academic participatory/action-oriented research.
Lastly, but certainly not least, theSpace continues to evolve our microcosm of creativity: supporting a dynamic environment where individuals build friendships and essential and long lasting peer to peer networks---bringing full circle the notion of belonging and community!
Mignon Mildenberger MSW, RSW
Founder and Director theSpace Creative Hub
A Word from John
As the father of an adult child on the Autism spectrum, I know how concerned parents become when we consider what will happen to our children as we age and when we die. As a futurist, I also know that the nature of work is fundamentally transforming (whatever can be automated--will be). These issues, and many other related concerns, bring the parents and families of people with intellectual disabilities to ask the basic question: “How to I prepare my child for the future?”
There is no easy answer to this question, but there are some key elements that must be part of our children’s future, if they are to find a place in the world and flourish as they can. Of prime importance is a context of community, and the need for a creative drive that motivates curiosity and learning. Community provides us with support, belonging, care, engagement, and place to contribute value-- all helping us to create an identity that can grow. In the world of accelerating change, learning is vital all of us. Finding and developing our creative curiosity, gives us all the internal drive to continue the pursuit of learning.
John Verdon
Futurist and Parent
Co-Director/Board Member theSpace Creative Hub
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mignon Mildenberger - Director
John Verdon - Co-Director
Rian Alston - Creative Director
John Verdon - Co-Director
Rian Alston - Creative Director