Young Adult Workshops – May 2026
The Triumph Center is offering a three-part Young Adult Workshop Series in May 2026 for young adults who may benefit from extra support with transition planning, social connection, and building healthy routines. Each 90-minute workshop combines practical information with guided discussion and chances to apply ideas to participants’ own lives. The series is designed for older teens and young adults who are in high school, college, vocational programs, or beginning to explore work and other post-secondary options. Participants register for the full three-part series for a total of 4.5 hours of structured support and skill-building.
Workshop 1: Transition Planning
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Presenters: Eric Pegnam, LICSW and Nicholas Marinakis, MS, RDN, LDN
This workshop is designed to help participants explore the transition to young adulthood from three different perspectives: 1) the transition of an individual from youth to adult, 2) changes in relationships with family, caretakers and guardians, and 3) fostering new relationships in their community, that develop as young adults continue their education, join the work force or engage in other activities that have meaning for them. The workshop leaders will discuss how to create a successful transition plan, which considers and integrates different perspectives. Objectives:
- To help participants consider meaningful and achievable goals as they transition into adulthood.
- To explore how individuals with neurodiverse profiles can begin to successfully transition into adulthood while maintaining connection with their families as they seek to gain greater autonomy and decision-making power.
- To learn skills and knowledge necessary to help young adults find the support they need to make the transition to work, college, vocational training or other adult activities.
Workshop 2: Building Social Connections
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Presenters: George Marinakis, Ph.D. and Eric Pegnam, LICSW
This workshop is designed to help participants strengthen existing relationships and consider new ways of widening one’s social circle. Participants will explore how to build greater resilience in handling challenges such as social anxiety, isolation, and fears of rejection. Objectives:
- To strengthen existing connections by exploring special traits, memories or activities that they have appreciated in their lives with special family members or friends in their “inner circle. We will discuss how to navigate special relationships while maintaining and building these connections through scheduled activities and more regular communications.
- To better understand common triggers or challenges that lead to greater social anxiety or fears of rejection. Participants will improve their understanding of social anxiety and how to build tolerance and resilience in social situations.
- To learn strategies for widening our social circle by identifying situations that can help us meet others or move acquaintances into a closer relationship.
Workshop 3: Building Wellness Through Movement and Healthy Nutrition
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 5:00–6:30 p.m.
This workshop is designed to help participants learn how enhancing movement and nutrition can promote wellness in the short-term and across the lifespan. Participants will explore potential gaps between nutrition/physical activity recommendations and current practices by leveraging behavioral strategies, community-based opportunities and personal likes and dislikes. Objectives:
- To enhance nutritional intake by identifying barriers to eating health-promoting foods (e.g., sensory aversions, food rigidities, limited experience), developing strategies to enhance food variety, and learning tools to construct more balanced meals.
- To learn how movement and physical activity can be pleasurable and enhance overall life, not just health, when we honor individual likes and dislikes, respect the diversity of different body types, and think critically about making space for new routines. Special attention will be brought to taking advantage of community-based opportunities for physical activity.
Who should attend? These workshops are intended for young adults who may benefit from structured support around transition planning, social connection, and health-related routines. They may be especially helpful for neurodivergent young adults who are navigating the shift toward greater independence.
Registration and Cost: $150 for the three-workshop series (4.5 hours total)
Location: Reading
How to register: Complete the online registration questionnaire below. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged. You
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