OWASSO, Okla. — New Leaf is getting $1 million to boost the work the organization does for disabled Oklahomans.
Nick Franco is a clients and stays on New Leaf's new campus. Franco is on the spectrum and said it has challenges. "I do listen well, but when it comes to remembering, that's a different thing for me."
Through New Leaf Franco is gaining skills to help him live independently. He attends the transition program, a two-year course meant to help people like Franco adjust after high school.
WATCH: 2 News learned about the program when it opened in 2022:
Franco told 2 News it's expanding his horizons.
"Things I never knew about, like emotions and living standards, how money matters,” said Franco.
Mary Ogle, CEO of New Leaf talked about how the donation is going to help them.
"It will continue to fund the academy as we continue to grow and graduate more neurodiverse students,” said Ogle.
Franco will be one of those graduates, but he said saying goodbye will be bittersweet. "I'm a little bit nervous about it because I really do enjoy this place.”
WATCH: 2 News highlighted one client's journey in this program in 2023:
To learn more about the New Leaf program, click here.
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