From: Jerrod Hale, Tallulah Sims, Wanda Carver, Kiggy Pickett, Kiara Steele, Josh Pouncy
Autauga/Western Elmore Arc
Students and staff from the Autauga/Western Elmore Arc (AWE Arc) recently visited the Elmore Autauga News office to get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of local news reporting. For the students, it was a chance to learn about photography and daily operations.
“I’m with these people almost every day,” said Jarrod Hale. “I love it because they are my friends, and we get to hang out.”
The trip was not just about learning, it was a reflection of the day-to-day experiences that make the Louise M. Smith Developmental Center, better known as the Smith Center, so special. Located at 298 Jay Street in East Prattville, next to Overlook Park, the Smith Center began in 1984 as a storefront in a shopping center. Since then, it has grown into a large facility offering programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
At the heart of the Smith Center experience is Smithville, the center’s mock community designed to help students develop independent living skills in a safe and realistic environment. Smithville’s fully equipped apartment, complete with a mini kitchen, bed, and laundry area, gives participants hands-on experience with essential household responsibilities.
“I like to do all the cool things at Smith Center, especially singing in the talent show,” said Tallulah Sims. “I like hanging out with my friends too.”
Smithville is more than just an apartment. It features a salon, a convenience store, a music café, a pet and woodworking shop, and even a health clinic. Each area allows students to practice real-world tasks in a supportive, structured setting.
“My favorite thing is going on field trips with Ms. Kim and the other staff,” said Wanda Carver. “I also like going and getting Kentucky Fried Chicken whenever we are out.”
Work experience is also an important part of the program. Kiggy Pickett shared, “I work at Zaxby’s a couple of days a week. When I’m not working there, I like to come to the Smith Center to relax and get my nails done by my friends at the Smithville salon.”
Even the pet shop has a special place in students’ hearts. Kiara Steele said, “I like the birds at the pet shop the best. We named one of the birds Rio, but we are still deciding what to call the other one.”
And sometimes, it’s the little things that make the Smith Center feel like home. “The staff likes to call me by my last name a lot, so the first thing I do when I meet new people is tell them to just call me Pouncy,” said Josh Pouncy.
Beyond building life skills, the center encourages participation in community-based activities and fosters independence, confidence, and friendship.
For students at AWE Arc, a visit to the news office is just another way to expand their horizons. Whether taking photos, singing in a talent show, working a part-time job, or caring for pets in Smithville, these amazing adults are learning every day how to thrive in the world, one adventure at a time.
For more information about the Smith Center and AWE Arc, visit https://www.awearc.org/
