About us
Empowering individuals,
enriching lives
enriching lives
Learn. Grow. Belong. Thrive.
Creating meaningfulopportunities beyondschool
Same As U, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in April 2019 to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We provide meaningful programming and opportunities that often end upon leaving the school system.
We offer a college-like environment where students can engage in continuing education, recreational activities, social interactions, and life skills training. Our programs not only promote personal growth but also foster friendships and a strong sense of community.
Guided by 2 Corinthians 9:8—”And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”—we are dedicated to empowering young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to embrace and enjoy the abundant life God has planned for them.’
The Same As U Core Values
Embody a Student-Centered Approach
Exemplify
Individual Dignity
Make & Foster Meaningful Connections
Demonstrate Empathy for Students & Families
We strive to recognize and understand the perspectives, feelings and lived experiences of others, including and especially those most different from ourselves, and give one another grace.
Find the Joy
Our Vision
College-Like Community
Foundation
Same As U Origin Story
In 2017, Jessica watched her big sister graduate high school and head off to college. She started to ask her mom, Jennifer Sell, questions about what life would look like for her after high school. The dream of what would eventually become Same As U took root, a nonprofit set in a college-like setting serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Leaving high school, unfortunately, can mean isolation, depression, and unemployment for many people with disabilities. Despite the challenges faced with having a disability, Same As U students, like everyone, want to know their lives matter and feel they have purpose. Like their peers, they want to continue learning and live out a rich, full life that they imagine.
By early 2019, Same As U landed Sara MacGregor, co-founder and education director. As a parent of a young adult with a disability and a background in Special Education, Sara created the perfect curriculum and programming to serve our future students. The dream was gaining momentum.
In January of 2020, just 9 weeks before a world-wide pandemic hit the world, Same As U opened its doors with 8 brave students in borrowed space at White River Christian Church.
Today Same As U has its own campus, serving a diverse student body including people with Down syndrome, on the autism spectrum, cerebral palsy, Williams syndrome, and/or those experiencing cognitive disabilities.
Same As U continues to dream big and advocate for some of the most deserving college students ever!
Jennifer Sell
- Founder / Executive Director
It’s been a true joy to serve the families that make up Same As U. The student body is very diverse, yet they want the SAME…to know they matter and have a place they belong. At Same As U, they find both of those things and more.
Sara MacGregor MS Ed.
- Co-Founder / Education Director
Same As U is a safe, welcoming environment where students are able to keep their brains active, their bodies active, and have a place to belong. As a special educator, I absolutely love serving the adult learners of Same As U and their families.
Mary Ellen Stuber
- Operations Director
I love the young adults at Same As U and it is a gift be able to to watch them grow and find a place to belong.
Micheal
- 7 Years
Isaiah
- 12 Years
Hello, my name is Isaiah and I am 12 years old and I want to be a doctor when I grow up.
Samantha
- 6 Years
Hello, my name is Samantha and I am 6 years old and I want to be a ballet dancer when I grow up.
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