Welcome
Preparing Students for Work, Independence & Success
Sonny House empowers high school students with cognitive disabilities through hands-on job training, real-world experiences,
Students Learning Through Real Work
Dog Treats After School Program
Students currently participate in Sonny House’s after-school dog treat micro-business, where they learn production, packaging, teamwork, and workplace behavior in a supportive environment.
This hands-on experience helps students build confidence, independence, and job readiness skills.
About Sonny House
Sonny House Mission Statement
- Sonny House Job Skills Program is a Maryland nonprofit that prepares high school students with cognitive disabilities for employment and independence through hands-on job skills training.
- Students learn workplace routines, communication skills, teamwork, and self-advocacy in supportive, real-world learning environments.
- Our goal is to help students transition confidently from school into their communities and future employment opportunities.
How We Got Started
- Sonny House Job Skills Program was founded by LeAnn Holden-Martin to help students with cognitive disabilities build independence through real-world job skills.
- The program began with small, hands-on learning opportunities and continues to grow through community partnerships and new workforce-training experiences for students.
Community Support & Recognition
Thanks
- Sonny House Job Skills Program is grateful for the community support that helps our students grow and succeed.
- In 2024, Sonny House received a $27,000 community impact award supporting continued job-skills programming for students with cognitive disabilities.
- This support helps us expand hands-on learning opportunities and build new workforce training experiences for students.
Sonny House in the news
Hanging By A Thread of Emotion
This NBC Channel 4 feature highlights how art and creative expression help students with special needs process emotions and communicate their experiences. The segment shares the heart behind Sonny House — creating safe, meaningful opportunities for students to build confidence, self-expression, and connection.
1st Place Winner for Sonny House
Sonny House was honored to receive the VOYA Unsung Heroes Award, recognizing innovative programs that make a lasting difference for students. This award celebrates the impact of hands-on job skills training and the dedication to helping students with cognitive disabilities prepare for real-world success.
Sonny House Performs at Wolf Trap
Students from Sonny House had the opportunity to perform at Wolf Trap, demonstrating confidence, teamwork, and creativity on a professional stage. Experiences like this help students build independence, communication skills, and pride in their accomplishments.