Mychal’s Learning Place in the South Bay is one of the few free programs available in Southern California where young adults with developmental disabilities are learning how to live independently.
Students learn how to cook and clean, gain job skills, and how to manage their money.
The program was started 14 years ago by Ed Lynch. He named it after his daughter Mychal, who was developmentally disabled.
Before Mychal died at age 7, her father struggled to find a program he trusted.
"There was no place I’d want to drop my daughter off," Lynch said. "Toward the end she was in a wheelchair, required a lot of assistance, and I didn’t really feel like the places that were out there were going to work for her."
Lynch said he started the Hawthorne learning center in Mychal’s memory so other families would have a place to go for help.
Tamra Pauly said the program has been a godsend for her son Matt, who is living with Autism. She is optimistic he can one day learn to live independently.
"Ed’s program has given us hope, it’s giving him tons of confidence, and it you think that, ‘Okay, he can do this,’" Pauly said.
Mychal’s also has two after-school programs for young children. The adult independent living program has 30 people on the waiting list. Lynch is planning to open a mobile coffee cart and food truck where his students will work.
Lynch says running this non-profit program is the best way he knows to carry on his daughter’s memory.
"For me, I want Mychal’s to be here long after I’m gone," Lynch said. "So when my time on this place is over, Mychal’s will continue on so she’s not forgotten."
Mychal’s is now the model for a similar program in Osaka, Japan. If you’d like to donate to the program or hire one of the students visit www.mychals.org.
