Hope Learning Center
Autism Services for Life, College, and Career
The HLC Advisory Board is composed of young adults on the autism spectrum who provide an important and valued voice in the development of Hope Learning Center. As individuals who have experienced many of the challenges and opportunities our students face, they bring firsthand perspective, ideas, and insight that help shape our programs and activities.
Advisory Board members provide feedback on current programs, suggest new ideas, and help HLC better understand the interests, needs, and experiences of young adults on the autism spectrum. Their perspective helps ensure that HLC continues to offer programs that are relevant, engaging, and meaningful to the young adults we serve.
Members of the Advisory Board may also participate in HLC Board meetings, providing their perspective directly to organizational leadership. This creates an important connection between the young adults we serve and the leadership responsible for guiding HLC's future.
Advisory Board members are also active participants in our Connect Program, a year-round social program that provides opportunities for young adults to build friendships, participate in activities, develop relationships, and remain connected to the HLC community.
At HLC, we believe young adults should not simply be the recipients of our programs, they should have a voice in shaping them. The Advisory Board helps make that belief a reality.
Tyler Haney
Tyler graduated with honors from West Chester University in May 2020 with a B.A. in History and a minor in Museum Studies. He currently works as a Product Manager for Bachmann Trains in Philadelphia.
Tyler leads HLC's Advisory Board and Connect group, speaks to parents groups and represents HLC at events. He also leads discussion groups, sharing his experience and perspective to help HLC develop programs and opportunities that are meaningful and relevant to young adults.
Gabe Harbison
Gabe was one of our first two students when HLC started in 2020 which is the same time he had recently graduated from Montgomery County Community College with an associate degree in Interactive Media. During his time at HLC, Gabe built friendships, developed important life skills, and became more involved in his community.
Through HLC's partnership with Good Stuff Thrift, Gabe is employed at their Doylestown store. Outside of work, he enjoys creating art and programming video games. His creativity can also be seen throughout HLC, with some of his artwork featured in the sketchbooks at the Center.
Shane Frederick
Shane graduated from Montgomery County Community College in 2020 with a degree in Liberal Arts. After graduation, he started as a volunteer with Liberty Ministries Thrift.
With connections and support provided through HLC, Shane transitioned into paid employment and now works as a Donation Center Associate at Liberty Ministries Thrift. He continues to explore new opportunities and develop his skills as he grows in his career.
Shane was one of HLC's very first students when the Center opened in 2020 and remains an important part of the HLC community, including co-leading our Dungeon and Dragons (D&D) groups that holds campaigns at HLC!
