The Peer Power Partner (PPP) mentoring program is kicking off its 2019-2020 programming on Oct. 14-15 with engaging community events led by Jason Freeman, a Brandon, South Dakota native, who travels the country sharing his inspirational and transformative journey, doing it all with a pronounced speech impediment.

For much of his life, Freeman struggled to accept his voice, his body and his place in the world. Desperate for a change, he set out on a decade long journey of rigorous self-development, which resulted in a life full of happiness, possibility and success.

While in Austin, Freeman will give presentations and lead interactive sessions with students, staff and community members.

After graduating from college with majors in English and social work, Freeman went on to obtain a masters of fine arts in poetry before realizing his biggest accomplishment; transcending the physical limitations of cerebral palsy within himself and embracing his voice as the gift it was intended to be.

A free community event will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, at the Hormel Historic Home.  “Loving Our Differences and the Power of the Micro Step” will be the topic.

Signed copies of his book, “Awkwardly Awesome: Embracing My Imperfect Best,” will be available for sale for $15

During the two days, Freeman will work with students from Austin High School, Pacelli Catholic Schools, Ellis Middle School and I.J.Holton Intermediate School, focusing on being honest about who we are, celebrating each other’s differences and taking microsteps.

Peer Power Partners is a mentoring program that pairs youth with special needs and learning differences with same-aged typically developing peers to promote friendship, understanding and advocacy.

PPP is a collaborative project between Austin schools and the Parenting Resource Center, launched seven years ago with the help of Vision 2020 Community Pride and Spirit Committee.  The program directly involves over 300 students and is funded by the Hormel Foundation, The Austin Area Foundation, private donations and fundraisers.

For more information on the local events, please contact Mary Barinka, Community Autism Resource Specialist at 507-433-4243, or autism@hormelhistorichome.org