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Empowering
individuals with
disABILITIES

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1 in 6

children in the U.S. have a developmental disability

9,000

individuals with developmental disabilities live in Miami-Dade County

80%

of adults with developmental disabilities are unemployed or underemployed

Our Story

Formerly known as the Community Habilitation Center, the WOW Center was founded in 1972 by parents of children with developmental disabilities. Faced with limited post-high school options, they created the WOW Center to meet the needs of the community. Now an Adult Day Training (ADT) center, the WOW Center serves over 200 Miami-Dade residents, ages 21 to 75+. The center empowers individuals to make personal choices, fostering growth and independence through a variety of programs, including Life Skills, Art, Sports, Music Therapy, Supported Employment, and Therapy Services.

Our Mission

The WOW center provides access to opportunities and resources for adults with developmental disabilities and the communities that support them.

Our Programs

Art

Art at The WOW Center provides a healing, meditative space for adults with disabilities. Through painting, jewelry making, clay, and candle crafting, art fosters bold self-expression, enhancing self-confidence and joy.

Community Based Education

The Community-Based Education (CBE) program empowers individuals with disabilities through practical and recreational learning tailored to their needs. They choose outings and develop skills like budgeting, etiquette, and safety.

Culinary

The Culinary program teaches skills for a healthy diet, independent cooking, and culinary careers. Through hands-on learning, participants achieve delicious outcomes while nourishing body and mind.

Life & Community Skills

The Life and Community Skills program promotes independence by teaching interpersonal, decision-making, and daily living skills. This helps adults with disabilities build confidence and succeed in all areas of life.

Music Therapy

In Music Therapy, individuals enhance social, cognitive, and motor skills through singing, dancing, and playing instruments. The goal is to foster self-expression, confidence, and communication using music.

Service Club

The Service Club empowers individuals to give back through fundraisers and outreach activities like beach clean-ups and elderly visits. Members become caring leaders by taking initiative and leading projects they are passionate about.

Social Services

The Social Services Team aids individuals in overcoming challenges and expressing needs by coordinating services and advocating for rights. The team also advises families on accessing community services and advocacy.

Speech & Occupational Therapy

The Speech and Language Therapy program diagnoses and treats communication issues, working one-on-one and with families to improve speech and social skills. Occupational Therapy addresses motor and coordination delays.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition for adults with disabilities. WOW individuals gain fitness, show courage, and build friendships with fellow athletes in the community.

Sports & Fitness

The Sports & Fitness program promotes healthy lifestyles through fitness, healthy eating, and sports. Activities include weight training, diet lessons, gardening, nature walks, and team sports, building confidence and teamwork.

WOW Workforce

The Work Experience program offers meaningful employment through internships and ongoing support. Participants start with internships to explore interests and skills, then transition to paid jobs with job coach support.

Wellness

In the Wellness Program, we empower older adults to live actively and independently, focusing on health and promoting self-advocacy in an inclusive environment. Our goal is to support them in maintaining their skills as they prosper at their own pace.

The future of The WOW Center

The WOW Center was built on the dream of a group of parents who wanted more for their children after high school—envisioning a place where adults with developmental disabilities could flourish and reach their full potential. Our "Building on a Dream" campaign continues that vision by raising funds for a state-of-the-art facility, expanding our reach so more individuals can be empowered to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

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The WOW Team

Board of Directors

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Leadership & Staff

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