ECAP adds life skills facility for young adult clients

A model apartment where young adults with autism can learn life skills was unveiled in FSU PC’s Early Childhood Autism Program clinic on April 17.

“This new furnished, mock apartment will allow us to teach a variety of living and learning, home-based skills,” said Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Amy Pollick, Ph.D., the development director for ECAP. “Having this space will allow us to enhance the reach of our program to meet the needs of older children, teens, and young adults.”

Called the “FILLS Room” (for Functional Independent Living and Learning Skills), the space includes a functioning kitchenette, as well as laundry, sleeping and living room areas. Clients with autism or related disorders will learn to cook meals, use a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, fold clothes, make a bed and other essential skills for independent living.

“The FILLS room allows us to empower those we serve, offer innovative learning opportunities, and individualized skill acquisition programs that will foster growth, stability and self-sufficiency,” said Nikki Dickens, Ed.D., ECAP director. “Every achievement, from mastering daily skills to reaching the long-term goal of living independently, will be a testament to the dedication of our community partners and the Edward F. Hickey Jr. Trust.”

The project was made possible by a $100,000 donation from the Edward F. Hickey Jr. Memorial Trust. Hickey, a pioneer in the Panama City Beach business community beginning in the mid-20th century, died at age 94 in 2021. The trust that bears his name has provided “second chance” scholarships to FSU PC students from Panama City Beach and renovated the Fun Room at ECAP, in addition to supporting other local non-profits, including Backpack Blessings and the Bay County Public Library.

“Ed was a giving person who wanted no recognition, but his life and accomplishments demand that his legacy lives on,” said Jeff Debenedictis, executor of the trust. The FILLS room was named after DeBenedictis’ nephew, Jackson Brush, who has autism.

“I lived and worked in this community for 40 years, but was ignorant of the FSU ECAP program,” DeBenedictis added.

The FILLS room came about after DeBenedictis and his cousin, Jackson’s father, met with the ECAP leadership to discuss how he and the Hickey Trust could help the program. They settled on two projects, one of which focused on “teaching life skills that we all take for granted,” DeBenedictis said. “They developed the curriculum and demonstrated the need and the impact this would have on the community.”

Pollick said the Hickey Trust has contributed to ECAP in ways that will improve lives, both for clients with autism and for the students and staff. “The things you’ve done for this program … have been life-changing for us as professionals, but also life-changing for the kids who get to experience the results of your generosity,” Pollick told DeBenedictis. 

Lowes employees donated time and expertise to get the room prepared, including the installation of dryer ventilation, electric wiring, cabinets and counters, and much more. 

“Community is important to Lowes,” a company spokesman said. “It’s the foundation of what our company stands for. We’re grateful to be able to help out.”

For more information on ECAP, visit pc.fsu.edu/ecap.