Serving the Lowcountry since 1995
Programs for Exceptional People (PEP) was organized in 1995 by six local families for the purpose of creating programs, social interaction, and ultimately employment for their adult children who had intellectual disabilities.
These young adults had completed their formal education and were living at home, unable to secure employment and/or engagement in the greater community. At the time of PEP’s inception there were no services for citizens of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island who were living with intellectual disabilities.
PEP was incorporated with funding from a grant provided by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. PEP is now licensed by the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) as an Adult Activity Center. As a state licensed organization, PEP is able to contract with other providers and individuals in the community to provide services that are consistent with standards set, monitored and evaluated by OIDD. Thus, PEP has contracts with Beaufort and Jasper Counties to deliver services to individuals who meet the appropriate diagnostic criteria.
PEP was incorporated with funding from a grant provided by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. PEP is now licensed by the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) as an Adult Activity Center. As a state licensed organization, PEP is able to contract with other providers and individuals in the community to provide services that are consistent with standards set, monitored and evaluated by OIDD. Thus, PEP has contracts with Beaufort and Jasper Counties to deliver services to individuals who meet the appropriate diagnostic criteria.
PEP provides a supportive environment where individuals within our community (referred to as members) read, learn, exercise, work, and engage with peers. Members participate in daily scheduled structured activities that are individualized to promote personal growth and accentuate strengths. Leadership is provided by trained staff and volunteers who act as educators and facilitators. The ratio of members to staff never exceeds 7:1.
