What is NextWork
What is NextWork?
A Comprehensive Service for Adults with Autism, with A Focus on Employment to Support Independence as Our Primary Goal
Our Mission:
We aim to support well-rounded and thoughtful neurodiverse people by offering tools to cope with a changing post-modern and globalized world, and providing opportunities for integrated and competitive employment, building community, and increasing independence. We encourage our participants to challenge their limits, not limit their challenges.
NextWork is the newest program of Columbus Community Center, a full-service provider for people with disabilities that has been serving people of Utah or more than 50 years. NextWork extends the supports that have always been a trademark of Columbus to the adult autism community and the unique strengths and challenges they face. We focus on client strengths and build opportunities for success and NextWork program. This began with the multi-disciplinary AdHoc Committee formed to advise the NextWork program launch, with NextWork’s Pay for Success feasibility study with Cicero, and the composition of our business plan with support from the Sorenson Center.
Collaboration has always been at the heart of the NextWork staff contribute to the Utah Autism Initiative, and continue to collaborate with First Place, AZ as a licensee of their Learn4Independence™ curriculum. Our most recent collaborative efforts are with Madison House’s Autism After 21 project. In the near future, we will also involve the AdHoc Committee in program evaluation to see how effective NextWork has been in its formative years. Our residents are chosen by a sub-committee chosen to help select residents who will benefit most from the training apartments and are determined to be ready for this step into independence. Collaboration is key to elevating autism services in Utah and providing the diversity of support needed to serve the whole community.
NON-PROFIT & GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
- Autism Council of Utah
- Disability In
- Department of Workforce Services
- First Place, AZ
- Living With Autism
- Madison House
- Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism
- Optimizing Autism
- Scenic View Academy
- STEM Action Center
- University of Utah
- Utah Autism Registry
- Utah Developmental Disabilities Council
- Utah Neurodiverse Workforce Development
- Valley Mental Health
- Vocational Rehabilitation of Utah
AMY WADSWORTH
Program Director
Amy Wadsworth received her Master’s Degree in Human Development and Social Policy
with a Disability Studies Certificate. Following graduation, she was hired by Columbus Community Center as a researcher. Later, she became the NextWork Program Director. Amy has done a bit of everything as the program has grown, from placing clients in jobs and supporting them as a job coach, to designing curriculum and teaching yoga.
FELICIA THOMPSON
Life Skills Coach
Felicia Thompson is a life coach at NextWork with a passion for helping others. She has three children, most of whom are nearly grown. With extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, her background spans Social Security and the insurance healthcare industry. Felicia finds working with NextWork clients both rewarding and inspiring. She deeply enjoys making a positive impact and finds fulfillment in helping others. For her, the joy and happiness of the clients are what make this work truly meaningful.
SAJE M. SMITH
Life Skills Coach
Saje Smith is a Life Coach for NextWork Academy with experience spanning multiple industries, including Education, Operations Management, Food and Beverage Service, and Customer Service. Passionate about teaching, Saje enjoys working with people and exploring what shapes human behavior, emotions, and communication. With a deep interest in different abilities, learning styles, values, job exploration, creativity, and art, Saje has developed a passion for understanding what makes people tick and is dedicated to finding ways to enhance life.
JODY MULLIGAN
Lead Instructor
Jody Mulligan is originally from Iowa and earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in physical education from the University of Northern Iowa.
Jody has a 14-year-old daughter who enjoys playing soccer and exploring photography. As a family, they love spending time outdoors and often spend their weekends camping with their dogs. With 23 years of teaching experience, Jody enjoys learning alongside students and has a passion for helping others develop new skills and solve problems. At NextWork, Jody believes in fostering a space where clients can learn, grow, and prepare for life’s challenges. The goal is to equip individuals with the tools to manage stress, engage with their community, and build independence. Saje is excited to guide clients on their personal journeys toward success.
FELICIA THOMPSON
Life Skills Coach
Felicia Thompson is a life coach at NextWork with a passion for helping others. She has three children, most of whom are nearly grown. With extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, her background spans Social Security and the insurance healthcare industry. Felicia finds working with NextWork clients both rewarding and inspiring. She deeply enjoys making a positive impact and finds fulfillment in helping others. For her, the joy and happiness of the clients are what make this work truly meaningful.
CONTACT US
ADDRESS
3848 South West Temple Suite 107
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84115
3848 South West Temple | Suite 107
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84115
PHONE
385-202-6752