Welcome 

The Life Experience Program, now in its 40th year, continues to provide individuals with developmental disabilities with opportunities to be actively involved in the community.   Whether through vocational training or altruistic involvement in the Special Peace Corps, members are actively engaged in meaningful activities that help them secure their place in society. 

 "You are doing anoutstanding job working together to help other people. You arecertainly carrying on my brother's (RFK) legacy and exemplify hisideals of community service."

- Senator Edward Kennedy

Community inclusion is our shared path of commitment and growth.  Individually, and as a group, we enjoy all that the community has to offer in terms of employment opportunities, learning, shopping, recreation and service.  Our vision is to instill in each member a deeper level of self-respect and confidence, a sense of importance, belonging and well-being. Members are encouraged to reach beyond their limitations and to strive to enhance the quality of the lives of those in the community that are less fortunate than themselves.  This is the credo of the Special Peace Corps and the essence of the Life Experience Program.

At The Life Experience Program (LES) and the Special Peace Corps, each individual grows and learns in an atmosphere of dignity, trust and love. Our challenge as educators is to enable each individual to recognize, accept and express their value as a member of the community, while equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill their birthright to make their unique contribution both to the community and the world.

Mother Teresa's reflection during her visit to the Life Experience School in 1988:  "My prayer is that The Life Experience School continues to prepare its students to become peacemakers in our troubled world - the true peace that comes from loving and caring and respecting the rights of everyone - my brother, my sister."

Above Photo:  Cal with his riding saddle before a riding lesson at August Farm. 

Our Programs are designed to provide supportive, individualized opportunities that draw upon each individuals strengths and interests and explore their talents and abilities within a stable, accepting, yet challenging atmosphere. 

A Sense of Community
LES and the Special Peace Corps are fortunate to have two beautiful and wonderfully accepting communities to call home.  Centrally located in a turn-of-the-century farmhouse in Millis and the Peace Abbey in the center of Sherborn, members are within walking distance to the commercial villages, public libraries, town administrative offices, and just a short drive to Farm Pond and the Charles River. Throughout the year members participate in service projects as well as receive vocational training at local businesses, animal shelters and restaurants. Our Programs offer nurturing and supportive environments in which individuals may discover hidden strengths and talents.

As extended-family day programs for young adults with disabilities, we believe that our members mature more fully and reach their potential when assuming responsibilities as members of a caring, socially conscious community.  Service to others puts their life challenges in perspective and provides each member with a sense of mission throughout the day.

The basic tenet of our philosophy holds that all human beings learn best and find personal fulfillment through meaningful and positive relationships.  And that the most realistic way of evaluating an individual's learning and progress is to observe how he/she deals with decision-making and problem-solving in life.

(Photo to Left:  Group at the 2nd Annual John McGuire Mini Golf Tournament.  Former winner, Phil Lussier turns over first place award to Mikey Randa.) *  Collectively we at the Life Experience School have been alive 806 years. which is more years lived than Hank Aaron had home runs.   -  Phil L.