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21 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com "For parents searching for that 'something more' for their child, DDVC is the opportunity they've been looking for," says Joanne. This is a results-driven program where the curriculum can be adjusted based on how the students are learning and what motivates them. It will be a place where both students and teachers feel inspired to come each day – discovering shared senses of accomplishment, growth and purpose. "All of our kids have dreams, desires, interests and needs. Parents are out there looking for meaningful options – and we want to help them find it," says Joanne. "We all want to see our kids be happy and productive citizens – that's the ultimate goal." Joanne brings a diverse professional background to this endeavor. Spending the first part of her career in the corporate world, Joanne later transitioned into holistic health and nutrition. As mother of a child with disabilities, she saw the growing need for holistic approaches to care and nutrition, and her advocating did not stop there. With a child in the public school system, she noticed a severe lack of programming. After many attempts at partnering with various educational entities with no major results, she realized it was her calling to bring something unique into the fold for young adults with cognitive disabilities. The word "Dharma" is Sanskrit and means finding and achieving your life purpose. DDVC is the place where vocational students can do just that – build a future rooted in their unique strengths and interests.