Adapted Institute provides a space for young adults with special needs to more easily participate in a spiritually encouraging environment.
The program is run through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the class, volunteers are paired with a "buddy" to assist them throughout the lesson.
“I feel the spirit so strongly there because they’re so pure and genuine. I can feel the love of Jesus when I’m around them,” Triston Berntson, a volunteer, said.
After attending one class as a volunteer, Berntson said he was drawn in and has been volunteering for two months.
The classes teach doctrine from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a simple and effective way to help the students learn in their own way.
Andie Pheysey is a student who attends one of the classes in Orem. She said she loves institute because she always feels uplifted afterward and enjoys the friendships she has made.
“My favorite part is being with friends. All the friends that come in,” Pheysey said.
Lizzy Cichoski has worked as a director for the adapted institute program for two years.
“You help facilitate discussion and help them feel awesome and validate what they are saying,” Cichoski said. “The goal is to make sure that our friends with special needs feel normal and are surrounded by a lot of peers with the same goal to come closer to the Savior.”
BYU students can become volunteers through Y-Serve, a campus organization that helps students find opportunities to serve in their community.
When volunteering through Y-Serve, many projects require a background check and training. Cichoski said they hope people come weekly, but there is some flexibility.
During the class Pheysey attended last week, a handful of BYU football players played charades with the students. Many of the students jumped out of their seats to play the game. One student went straight to offensive lineman Trevor Pay and hugged him.
“It’s really hard to show up to adapted institute and not leave feeling better, less stressed out or uplifted. There’s a really cool spirit in there, and it’s a simple spirit,” Cichoski said.
To get involved as a volunteer, visit the adapted institute website through Y-serve.
