PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — High schoolers and young adults gathered Tuesday night at PA Inclusive in Pittston for Transition Academy Social Club (TASC), a weekly program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as the organization works to expand the club and reach more families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The TASC program is led by Employment Specialist Daniel VanDusky and Program Support Professional Alex Osborn.

Osborn said TASC’s spring session brought students ages 14 to 21 together every Tuesday night, with April 28 marking the last meeting until the fall. The program is expected to start back up in late August.

Weekly sessions include hands-on activities tied to life and job readiness, including money management, mock interviews and review quizzes. Osborn added that lessons can also cover topics such as hygiene and emotional regulation.

Osborn said the program also gives students a place to connect in person and build friendships, including with peers they may not see at school.

“It’s very beneficial to our community, not only in a time when social media is overtaking everyone, but also as a chance for individuals with an intellectual disability, or anything of the sort, to come together and understand, ‘Hey, I’m not alone in this crazy world. There’s someone who understands what I’m going through and is more than happy to come smile with me and have a good time,’” said Osborn.

Osborn described TASC as a mix of social time and lessons designed to build lifelong skills students can use in the future. She emphasized that the weekly meetings give students time to socialize and build friendships, including with peers from different schools.

PA Inclusive says its mission is to help people with disabilities live inclusive, sustainable lives. TASC is offered in Pittston and at other PA Inclusive sites across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The program is free, and participants can join at any time, though the group prefers sign-ups at the start of a session. PA Inclusive plans an open house week Sept. 15 through Sept. 19 for people to meet the team and learn more about the program.

For more information, visit PA Inclusive’s website.