OPTIONS (Brehm's Post-Secondary Program) is working on developing a new web site. Please check back soon for changes. If you are interested in receiving information about OPTIONS please contact the Admissions Department at 618.457.0371.

A message from the Director
OPTIONS is a program that services the needs of young adults with complex learning disabilities. Our young adults have potential to be successful in the college or employment environment but cannot demonstrate it, as they have not mastered the skill sets necessary to negotiate college or successful employment. They have not yet learned the social, emotional, academic, or employment skills required by the demands of our society.

Parents were the advocates of the OPTIONS program.  During one of our Strategic Planning weekends, they raised the issue of developing a program after the Brehm program.  They were passionate that the Brehm Holistic Model needed to be applied to the adult population because of the limited number of programs designed for post-high-school experiences.  The families who did not find Brehm until later in their child’s high-school career felt the greatest need.

We at Brehm also felt the need because, upon completion of the high-school program, we thought, “What’s next?” What transitional needs do our students have, and where do they go?  It was an enlightening process to look at providing services other than just a 13th year.  It forced us to look holistically at what our young adults’ needs were.  The resulting trustee-appointed committee commissioned through our strategic-planning process with trustees, faculty, staff, parents, and some alumni initiated our original OPTIONS endeavor.

The initial focus very much mirrored that of Brehm Prep School. We offered social, emotional, and academic support for our students, with the addition of independent-living skills.  Our services consisted of counseling, remediation, medical support, speech and language services, and apartment living.  We had limited access to the community.  Our academic program had limited participation at John A. Logan College.  What a difference a few years make.

OPTIONS now offers a three-phase program leading to independence as students achieve specific skills. It has evolved as an outgrowth of our high-school program to a full stand-alone organization which has developed its own unique holistic program, treating young adults like adults with real-world expectations. It focuses on apartment living, money management, life skills, employability skills, academic skills, community living, etc.  The academic program offers within OPTIONS pre-college course interaction, academic support for college enrollment, and a systematic integrated program between OPTIONS and John A. Logan that ensures college academic success and transition for our students.  The students also have opportunities to pursue two- and four-year degrees.

Students who do not choose an academic or degree program can choose to pursue Certificates of Completion leading to gainful employment.  Four areas have currently been incorporated with additional components to be added.  Regardless of an employability track or a degree track, all young adults complete internships in area businesses to ensure that employment skills and attitudes are addressed before our students complete each program.

Greater responsibility and independence is an objective for all young adults.  The Personal Growth Program helps to direct students to the end.  The staff directs, mentors, and helps our students negotiate the process.  The objective is to gain strategies in all areas of adult development to make their transition to being on their own a reality.

It has been a joy for me to be a a part of the OPTIONS evolution.  The staff has developed a unique and beneficial program which services the needs of our families.  I applaud all the hard work and admire the expertise which the OPTIONS staff has acquired with and applied to our adults.  They continue to plan and dream and evolve to better serve our families.  The outcomes are remarkable.  I can’t wait to see what is next.

Yours truly,
Richard G. Collins, Ph.D.
Executive Director