Brehm Foundation

05/27/2026

Brehm’s Summer Program starts June 28! Our four-week overnight and day program is designed for students with learning differences who need structure, support, and a fun, confidence-building summer. Spots are limited—families interested in a summer program for their child can learn more or apply at

At our small boarding school, students in grades 6-12 can explore authenticity, embrace neurodiversity, and develop lifelong skills in our safe and holistic learning environment.

05/17/2026

More than 40 years later, Tyson Brehm’s story still lives on through the students, staff, and families who call Brehm Preparatory School home. 💙

A huge thank you to The Southern Illinoisan for helping share the heart behind Tyson Brehm Day and the mission that continues here every day at Brehm Preparatory School and OPTIONS.

Also, special recognition to Barbie Drew, whose heart, creativity, and love for our students helped make Tyson Brehm Week so meaningful and memorable for our campus community.

This place exists because people believed students who learn differently deserved understanding, belonging, and a chance to succeed. That mission still matters.

Stay tuned for some of the best moments from this week!

CARBONDALE — Brehm Preparatory School celebrated Tyson Brehm Week, honoring an original graduate and namesake of the school.

05/15/2026

We were invited to represent Brehm Preparatory School and OPTIONS Transitions to Independence at last night's SI Business Connect networking event at Celebrations Event Center, alongside two other great local non-profits: Down the Leash Service Dogs and Hospice of Southern Illinois, INC.

Not only did we have a great time connecting with folks but we walked away with a donation of $395!

We especially loved being set up across from the amazing dogs Down the Leash train to support veterans with PTSD and su***de prevention efforts. We look forward to hosting them on campus soon!

Thanks for the invite, Jason and Shayna at My Office Help! Great event, beautiful venue, and such wonderful community connections!

05/14/2026

Excited to represent OPTIONS Transitions to Independence and Brehm Preparatory School tomorrow evening at the SI Business Connect network event!

📚 Featured Non-Profit: Brehm Foundation 📚

We’re proud to feature The Brehm Foundation at SI Business Connect on May 14.

The Brehm Foundation supports Brehm Preparatory School and OPTIONS Transitions to Independence—programs dedicated to helping neurodiverse students and students with learning disabilities find success, confidence, and a true sense of belonging.

Through scholarships, individualized academics, life skills training, and a deeply supportive community, Brehm and OPTIONS give students who have struggled elsewhere a place to thrive and build a future they believe in.

This is more than education.
It’s empowerment. It’s independence. It’s confidence.

Every dollar helps open doors—for students to learn, grow, and discover who they are meant to be.

Join us May 14 from 4–7 PM at Celebrations Event Center in Marion. Attendees will vote to help determine how funding is distributed among our featured organizations.

Watch their story here:
https://youtu.be/QHbFAu6_wuE?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/3BBBMxBAhbU?si=0_fPYunZ8C69eV6X

05/05/2026

📣 We’re Looking for Our Next Alumni Spotlight

We love sharing where our alumni are now, and this week we’re opening it up to you. 💙

If you attended or graduated from Brehm or participated in OPTIONS, we want to hear your story.

Send us:
• A current photo
• Your years at Brehm/OPTIONS
• What you’ve been up to
• Any accomplishments, updates, or advice

Your story could be featured next.

Comment “ALUMNI” and we’ll send you the details.

04/28/2026

📸 Alumni Spotlight: Will Safran | Brehm Class of 2010

From Brehm to independent living, Will’s journey is built on growth, leadership, and community. 💙

After attending Brehm from 2006 to 2010, Will continued his path through OPTIONS while taking classes at John A. Logan College, earning his Associate of Arts in 2014 and becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

Since then, he has been living independently in White Plains, New York through the POINT program, where he continues to build a life rooted in responsibility and independence.

Will currently works in the maintenance and engineering department at a hotel in downtown White Plains and runs his own dog walking business on the side.

Outside of work, he stays active as an alternate captain for the New York Raptors hockey team and captain of his bowling team, Clinical Pinsanity.

Follow his team here: https://www.nyraptors.org/

His journey reflects independence, leadership, and staying committed to what matters.

His advice:
“You really can accomplish anything as long as you truly believe it, put your mind to it, and surround yourself with the right people.”

We’re proud of you, Will.

Are you a Brehm or OPTIONS alum?
Drop your graduation year below or send us a message. We would love to share your story next.



⸻

If you want even more clicks, swap that line to:
“See the New York Raptors in action:” → performs better than “Follow his team here.”

04/21/2026

📸 Alumni Spotlight: Austin Wielansky | Brehm Class of 2012

Since graduating in 2012, Austin has built a career defined by growth, persistence, and leadership. 💙

He attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sports Management. During his time there, he was a founding member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and completed multiple internships in Minor League Baseball, working in accounting roles.

After college, Austin moved to Dallas, Texas, where he began his career with Fidelity Investments. This June marks eight years with the firm, where he has continued to grow and expand his impact.

Recently, Austin was selected for a competitive Talent Acceleration Program focused on leadership development. After not being accepted the first time, he applied again and earned his spot, gaining valuable experience through networking with senior leaders, completing leadership training, and contributing to a final group presentation.

His journey reflects resilience and long-term commitment to growth.

His advice:

“Do not let others define your self-worth. Your self-worth is determined by you. Just because someone doesn’t see the value you bring does not mean you have lost it. What you think about yourself means everything.”

We’re proud of you, Austin.

Are you a Brehm or OPTIONS alum?
Drop your graduation year below or send us a message. We would love to share your story next.

04/14/2026

📸 Alumni Spotlight: Mia Larson | Brehm Class of 2022

Since graduating in 2022, Mia has been continuing her journey at Mitchell College, where she is currently in her junior year pursuing a degree in Business Management. 💙

She is also gaining hands-on experience as an intern for her college’s Division of Business Instagram account, where she works on content creation, analytics, posting, and graphic design using Canva.

During her time at Brehm, Mia built strong, lasting friendships and developed communication skills that continue to support her today, especially in her work and college experience.

Her journey is a great example of growth, connection, and building real-world skills.

We’re proud of you, Mia.

Are you a Brehm or OPTIONS alum?
Drop your graduation year below or send us a message. We would love to share your story next.