Jake, 11, has nonverbal autism, meaning he doesn't use spoken language in the traditional way.
However, he gets to express himself every other Monday night when he attends Brave Hearts.
Auburn social work professor Angie Burque started "Expressions of a Brave Heart" in January 2010 as a program for young adults with disabilities to express themselves creatively through art, music or dance.
"I felt like kids who have moderate to severe disabilities have less opportunities than typical kids," Burque said.
One of the driving forces behind the program is Burque's experience with her two sons, one of which has autism.
"Growing up, I've watched as the oldest one gets to participate in band and sports and make friends and perform, while the younger one has had fewer and fewer opportunities for these things," Burque said.
She wanted to design a safe place where young adults with disabilities could have fun with their peers.
"He's been a lot less shy," said Emily Burkett, senior in social work who has worked with Jake at Brave Hearts since last fall.
Jake's mother Luanne Helms said he enjoys the program and always looks forward to it.
"We always tell him on Sundays, 'You've got Brave Hearts tomorrow night,"' Helms said. "And then when he comes home from school the next day, he gets his stuff together and is geared up and ready to go."
The program lasts from 5:30-7 p.m. and the participants, ages 11 to 21, choose to engage in two of three sessions from art, music or dance.
Last Monday, art included decorating Valentine's cards and painting and twisting pipe cleaners until they resembled a flower or letter. Music sessions incorporated rhythmic drum beating, while dance took a more modern approach, teaching the participants moves to Miley Cyrus' hit "Party in the USA."
In its third season, Brave Hearts has 22 participants and more than 60 volunteers. Most of the volunteers are students, but fine arts specialists, Auburn professors and local special education teachers also help.
Burque said her biggest success is knowing the participants look forward to coming to a place they call their own.
"They know this is their club where they can make friends, see old friends and get to know some college students," she said.
Hope Lollis said her son seems happier and more self-confident since beginning Brave Hearts.
"Professor Burque is a wonderful lady," Lollis said. "She is very passionate about children, and she also works with families very well."
Kristin Lupton, junior in social work, works with Burque both as one of her students and Brave Hearts' volunteers.
"She's just really fun and really good at making you believe in yourself," Lupton said.
After last season's final performance, two special education teachers from the local junior high told Burque that Brave Hearts was a huge thrill for their students.
"It's just one wonderful stream of neat experiences," Burque said.
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