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News and ViewsMarch 14, 2025

Spectrum’s Philanthropic Program Helps Students Find Confidence, Responsibility and Jobs

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Frank, 53, can be found each week in Laurens County, South Carolina, taking classes in the Spectrum Training and Technology Center at the Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board (LCDSNB). LCDSNB programs help participants build life and career skills, enabling them to reach their full potential. Caregivers felt that Frank, diagnosed with autism, would benefit, and connected him to the organization.

LCSNDB is partnered with Spectrum Community Center Assist (SCCA), Spectrum’s philanthropic program that provides financial support for job skills training, new technology and building improvements. To date, Spectrum has provided $140,000 to LCDSNB.

SCCA funding has been used to create the Spectrum Training and Technology Center, providing chairs, tables, laptops and to purchase software at LCSNDB to encourage students like Frank to assess career interests and develop life skills. Rather than pursuing roles in the fast-food industry or with a cleaning crew he had been considering, Pathfinder software showed Frank he has talent for administrative work. He now works two days a week at the county administration building.

“I enjoy answering phones and buzzing people in," said Frank. "It is something I look forward to every day and I’ve made some friends. It makes me feel great.”

Frank Clark poses next to the sign for the Spectrum Training and Technology Center at the Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board
Frank poses next to the sign for the Spectrum Training and Technology Center at LCSNDB in Laurens County, S.C.

The Me-Minder application, also purchased with SCCA funding, helps clients develop life skills by using photos and videos to visually guide them through each step of a daily task.

Frank continues to attend classes in the Spectrum Training and Technology Center at LCDSNB along with dozens of other clients, all benefiting from social interaction and ongoing learning.

"I’m grateful Spectrum funding is helping our clients – not just with employment but with life."

Sue Ellison, Career Specialist and Job Coach at LCDSNB

“We live and work in the communities we serve and supporting these centers with technology and job training helps them thrive,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President, Spectrum Community Impact.  “LCSNDB is one of more than 50 community centers we have supported across the country since SCCA’s launch in 2021.”

Frank’s journey highlights the importance of organizations like the LCDSNB which helps individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling independent lives and how Spectrum Community Center Assist builds bridges for their success in communities we serve.

Learn more about the impact of Spectrum Community Center Assist here.