From left, Pastor Jim Gibson, Dr. Tammy Johnson, and Cole Strong in front of First Baptist’s Family Life Center
Lee University’s Development Inclusion Classroom has partnered with First Baptist of Cleveland in its recent move to an FBC property.
“Lee is very appreciative for the cooperation First Baptist and the pastoral staff, especially Jim Gibson, have shown in this partnership with Lee and LUDIC,” said Cole Strong, Lee’s vice president for operations.
Due to the continuing construction of Lee’s developing South Campus, a search for a new home for LUDIC began Spring 2017. The partnership with FBC developed quickly and the new center opened in Fall 2017.
“First Baptist Cleveland and Lee University have had a wonderful working relationship as co-laborers for the cause of Christ for many years,” said Pastor Gibson, executive pastor at FBC. “It is a blessing and privilege for FBC to once again join together with Lee in impacting our community in a positive way by providing a temporary facility for LUDIC.”
The Family Life Center building was formerly a daycare, but was unoccupied before the partnership with LUDIC began.
“We are thrilled with our new home at the Family Life Center,” said Dr. Tammy Johnson, director of LUDIC. “We are especially enjoying the opportunities for exercise and leisure in the gym and the playground, and we are thrilled to have a lunchroom where students and staff can eat together.”
LUDIC is a state-approved private school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and operates during the school year, as well as a six-week session in the summer. The classroom currently serves 20 students from age two to 22.
Funded by local school fees and an annual subsidy from Lee University, the program allows for quality education for children on the Autism Spectrum as well as valuable hands-on experience for Lee special education students.
LUDIC is directed by Dr. Johnson and staffed by four teachers, in addition to Lee student teachers and interns.
Lee also collaborated with Cleveland City Schools to house the program at Arnold Elementary School this summer.
For more information about LUDIC, contact Johnson at LUDIC@leeuniversity.edu or 614-8190.