CASS Academy Small Groups - Auburn
CASS Academy’s small group model is an application-based program focused on teaching independent living skills to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants should be 18 or older and have exited high school. Groups will meet weekly for six weeks at a time with a different focus each session. The cost is $120 per session.
Auburn groups will meet on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Each session will cover one of the following topics: safety, financial literacy, healthy relationships, or cooking.
To join a small group, please submit an application. Decisions will be based on application, additional documentation, and a cleared background check. Once accepted, you’ll receive session topics in advance, and sign-ups for each session will be on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring participants get instruction in areas relevant to them. Because not all topics will apply to every participant, acceptance to the program does not guarantee enrollment in every session.
You’ll find the application below. If you’d like to join our 2026 small groups, please submit your application.
Questions? Check our FAQs below or email Amanda at amanda@casshousing.org.
The launch of our small group program in Auburn was made possible by the United Way of DeKalb County’s generous support!
CASS Academy Small Group FAQs
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Individuals interested in becoming a Community Core Member with the CASS Academy must:
Have a documented developmental or intellectual disability
Be 18 or older and have exited high school
Have the capacity to be independent and unsupervised while at CASS Programs
Have a desire to grow in independent living skills
Have reliable transportation within 30 minutes of start and end of CASS Academy
Have the capacity to abide by the CASS Academy Code of Conduct. Failure to follow the code of conduct may result in meetings with the Core Member, Program Staff, and guardians, in addition to potential removal from CASS Academy.
Specifically, small groups are designed for those who could be successful in our Guided Living or Guided Plus Living housing models.
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Interest is expressed in CASS Academy Small Groups.
CASS Academy Small Group Application is submitted.
Background check completed if not already on file.
The background check is clear.
Application and additional documents are reviewed by the CASS Housing Programming Committee.
Admission decisions for the CASS Academy Small Groups are communicated to the applicant and guardian, if applicable.
Upon acceptance, a meeting is scheduled with the CASS Academy Director to review the CASS Academy Small Group Handbook and sign any additional documents needed.
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Once accepted into CASS Academy Small Groups, sign-ups are first-come, first-serve. A link to sign up for each session will be sent prior to the session beginning to reserve the Core Member’s place, as there are limited seats per session.
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For now, all CASS Academy small groups will take place from 9:00 am to 10:30 am on Wednesdays. If this changes, CASS will let families know.
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Payment is due upon registration to reserve the Core Member’s seat in the class for the session.
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No, there are no payment plans available for small groups.
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Attendance of Core Members is expected at CASS Academy Small Group Programs. Should a Core Member not be able to attend, the Core Member should let CASS Staff know in advance. This communication policy is for the safety of the Core Members and for planning purposes of CASS staff.
CASS Housing understands that illness, family emergencies, etc. may occur for Core Members. Unexcused absences include no-shows, appointments such as haircuts, events with other staff, vacations, etc. If a Core Member has two or more unexcused absences in a session, they may be asked to sit out the following session of content. CASS does not refund for absences.
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In the event of severe weather, CASS will notify Core Members about the status of CASS Academy Small Groups two hours in advance. If DeKalb Central Schools closes, CASS programs may be held online. Links will be provided for online programming at that time.
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Core Members should come prepared with basic school supplies like pens, pencils, and folders. They will not need to bring a personal device.
Core Members will be asked to keep their electronic device zipped up in their bag or put it in the CASS technology basket. CASS Staff will give clear directions when technology is needed for a lesson or when it is appropriate to get the technology out of their bag or the phone basket.
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CASS Academy uses the Let’s Go Learn curriculum for both Small Groups and the Cohort. Lessons focus on practical skills that help Core Members build greater independence in their everyday lives.
