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A San Bernardino Story of Growth and Determination For many people, discovering a passion takes years of searching. For Jacob Olsen, a native of San Bernardino, California, that passion came through creativity, perseverance, and learning how to embrace life with autism. Jacob, an animation artist and exceptional graduate of Mind Studio, has faced challenges that many people may never fully understand. Diagnosed with autism at around five or six years old, Jacob experienced di

At the ASCEND Day Program, we are excited to continue one of our most impactful traditions—Social Skills Fridays! Each week, our participants have the chance to connect, learn, and grow in a welcoming environment designed to build confidence and prepare them for real-world interactions. This June, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming lineup of trainers who bring energy, experience, and unique teaching styles to every session. 06-05-2026:Sanki 06-12-2026:Troy 06-19-2026:Ra

At the ASCEND Day Program, learning comes from experience. As a community-based program focused on helping our clients build meaningful life skills, physical wellness, and greater confidence, we are always looking for exciting new ways to create hands-on community experiences. That is why we are proud to share our latest athletic adventure: hitting the driving range to learn the sport of golf. Recently, a group of ASCEND clients stepped up to the tee to learn the fundamentals

At the ASCEND Day Program, learning goes far beyond the classroom. As a community-based program focused on helping adults with disabilities build meaningful job skills and greater independence, we are always looking for exciting new ways to create hands-on learning experiences. That is why we are proud to announce that cooking classes have officially begun in our brand new annex as the ASCEND Culinary Academy starts taking shape. Recently, a group of ASCEND clients rolled up

At the ASCEND Day Program, we are excited to continue one of our most impactful traditions—Social Skills Fridays! Each week, our participants have the chance to connect, learn, and grow in a welcoming environment designed to build confidence and prepare them for real-world interactions. This April, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming lineup of trainers who bring energy, experience, and unique teaching styles to every session. 5-01-2026:Sanki 05-08-2026:Troy 05-15-2026:Jo

Some of the most meaningful growth happens out in the community, in real-world environments where clients can explore interests, build confidence, and connect with others. One of our favorite community outings is visiting the local Guitar Center, where clients have the opportunity to play drums, piano, guitar, and other musical instruments in an encouraging and exciting environment. For many clients, these outings are much more than just recreation. Music becomes a tool for c

At ASCEND Day Program, we’re always looking for ways to turn real-world experiences into meaningful learning opportunities. Our recent field trip to the Inland Empire 66ers stadium in San Bernardino was exactly that—a day filled with exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning that brought career pathways and community engagement to life. Stepping Onto the Field For many of our clients, walking onto a professional baseball field was a first-time experience—and one they won’

There are some outings that go beyond just getting out of the building—and Taco Tuesday at Tio's Tacos is exactly that kind of experience for the participants of the ASCEND Day Program. Located in the heart of Riverside, Tio’s Tacos is more than just a place to eat—it’s a vibrant, artistic environment filled with colorful sculptures, recycled art installations, and an energy that invites curiosity. For the adults we support at ASCEND, this weekly outing becomes a hands-on opp

At the ASCEND Day Program , we are excited to continue one of our most impactful traditions— Social Skills Fridays ! Each week, our participants have the chance to connect, learn, and grow in a welcoming environment designed to build confidence and prepare them for real-world interactions. This April, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming lineup of trainers who bring energy, experience, and unique teaching styles to every session. April 3 rd – Jonthan April 10 th – Tro

At ASCEND Day Program, learning doesn’t always look like a classroom lesson—and that’s exactly the point. Sometimes, growth happens quietly at a table, where a group of clients leans in together over a puzzle, studying shapes, colors, and patterns. What may seem like a simple activity is actually a powerful workout for the brain. Puzzles are more than just a way to pass time—they are a meaningful tool that helps strengthen cognitive skills, build confidence, and encourage col

At the ASCEND Day Program , we are excited to continue one of our most impactful traditions— Social Skills Fridays ! Each week, our participants have the chance to connect, learn, and grow in a welcoming environment designed to build confidence and prepare them for real-world interactions. This February, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming lineup of trainers who bring energy, experience, and unique teaching styles to every session. 03/06/2026 - Jonthan 03/13/2026 - Saul

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the ASCEND Day Program transformed an ordinary afternoon into something vibrant, creative, and deeply meaningful. Our Palentine’s Day celebration at the Digital Café & Lounge was more than just a paint-and-sip event — it was an experience rooted in friendship, confidence-building, and community connection. What Is Palentine’s Day? At ASCEND, we celebrate Palentine’s Day as a reminder that friendship matters. It’s about honoring the supportive r

At the ASCEND Day Program , learning doesn’t always look like a worksheet or a computer screen. Sometimes, it looks like a square piece of paper, a few careful folds, and a moment of “wait… I did that?” This week, our participants explored the art of origami , creating colorful origami hearts in celebration of the upcoming Valentine’s Day. What started as a fun seasonal activity quickly turned into a powerful hands-on lesson in creativity, focus, and skill-building. Why Origa

At the ASCEND Day Program , we are excited to continue one of our most impactful traditions— Social Skills Fridays ! Each week, our participants have the chance to connect, learn, and grow in a welcoming environment designed to build confidence and prepare them for real-world interactions. This February, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming lineup of trainers who bring energy, experience, and unique teaching styles to every session. 02/06/2026 - Maury 02/13/2026 - David

And how ASCEND brings it to life in the community When people think about reading, they often picture school desks, textbooks, and homework. But here’s the truth: reading as an adult might be even more powerful than reading as a kid —especially when it’s connected to real life, personal interests, and community spaces. At the ASCEND Day Program , reading isn’t just an academic skill. It’s a tool for independence, confidence, and connection. Reading Doesn’t Expire — It Evolves

At the ASCEND Day Program , we believe learning new skills isn’t just about jobs—it’s about confidence, creativity, and discovering what you’re capable of. One of the most powerful (and surprisingly approachable) skills you can learn is playing the piano. Whether you dream of playing your favorite song, calming your mind after a long day, or building a new talent you can share with others, the piano is a great place to start. The best part? You don’t need any musical backgrou

A Beginner’s Guide to Photography & Videography at ASCEND At the ASCEND Day Program , creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about communication, confidence, and real-world job skills. Photography and videography are powerful tools that help our participants tell stories, express ideas, and even prepare for careers in media, marketing, social content creation, and beyond. This guide isn’t about becoming a professional overnight. It’s about learning how to see , how to frame , a

At the ASCEND Day Program , we are excited to continue one of our most impactful traditions— Social Skills Fridays ! Each week, our participants have the chance to connect, learn, and grow in a welcoming environment designed to build confidence and prepare them for real-world interactions. This January, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming lineup of trainers who bring energy, experience, and unique teaching styles to every session. Upcoming Schedule 01/09/2026 - Raul 01/

At the ASCEND Day Program, our participants aren’t just learning job skills—they’re discovering passions, unlocking talents, and teaching us things we never knew we needed to learn. Today’s article comes straight from our very own tech expert, Hunter , who has a gift for turning complicated technology into something exciting, empowering, and surprisingly easy to understand. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build your own computer from scratch, you’re in for a treat.

Maria's Art Crystal's Art Art at ASCEND: Where Emotions Become Images and Creativity Becomes Identity Art is a way to speak without words. A space where adults with disabilities can turn their imaginations, emotions, passions, and personal stories into visual expression. Every canvas, every collage, every sketch is a declaration of identity and voice. Today, we’re proud to spotlight two of our incredible ASCEND artists: Maria and Crystal , whose artistic journeys could not b