Students with Disabilities Build Life Skills in an Unexpected Place: The Public Defender’s Office

Young Adults with Learning Disabilities Are Back to School at this Unique Training Ground in Downtown Tampa

Among the legal files, busy attorneys, and bustling court preparations at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, there’s something else happening—something you wouldn’t expect. On the first floor of the downtown Tampa government building, students with learning disabilities gain essential life and job skills in a real-world environment.

Thanks to a nearly 20-year partnership between Pepin Academies and the Public Defender’s Office, this innovative program offers young adults a supportive bridge between school and adulthood. Through the Pepin Academies Transition program, students ages 18 to 22—who have deferred getting their high school diplomas to stay in the school system—help digitize legal files, learn professional etiquette, and take part in hands-on training for independent living, all within the walls of the legal office that represents people charged with crimes who can’t afford to hire their own attorneys.

What started with a cold call from a forward-thinking Pepin Academies administrator to then-Public Defender Julianne Holt has grown over the past two decades into a model of community collaboration. “It just made sense,” said Holt, who immediately embraced the opportunity to support students with disabilities. “This has always been a true partnership—and a powerful one.”

For many students, it’s more than just practice—it’s a path to employment. Jonathan Temaul, a Pepin graduate who started in the program years ago, now works in mail operations for the Public Defender’s Office. Other graduates have landed jobs at Publix, Macy’s, Embassy Suites, USF, AdventHealth, Tampa General Hospital, and The Florida Aquarium.

Now, under the leadership of newly elected Public Defender Lisa McLean, the partnership is entering an exciting new chapter. Hillsborough County has allocated $800,000 for a first-floor renovation project, and thanks to McLean’s vision, the plans now include a fully equipped teaching kitchen to enhance students’ hands-on learning experience. 

“This partnership shows what’s possible when public institutions work together to invest in people,” said McLean. “We’re proud to support the students of Pepin Academies and help empower them to thrive.”

Set for completion next year, the new space will allow students to practice meal preparation and household tasks—key steps in their journey toward independence.

“This program is about building confidence, instilling responsibility, and giving opportunity for independent, productive futures,” said Pepin Academies Executive Director Jeff Skowronek. “Parents often tell us they never imagined their child would hold a job or live on their own. Through this program, those things that are commonplace for many can be realized for them, too.”

Students kicked off the new school year at the Public Defender’s Office on August 4th.

Media Opportunity 

WHAT: Pepin Academies Transition students learn job skills in classroom space at the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office  

WHEN: Monday, August 18 | 10 a.m. to noon (RSVP required, alternate dates available)

WHERE: 700 E Twiggs St., Tampa (First Floor) 

WHO:

• Lisa McLean, Hillsborough County Public Defender
• Janele Kilbey, Director of Transition Program at Pepin Academies
• Pepin Academies Transition Students
• Pepin Transitions grad/Public Defender’s Office employee Jonathan Temaul 

VISUALS:

• Students preparing meals in the cooking lab
• Practicing job tasks and daily living skills
• Engaging in hands-on career training and interacting with office staff
• Tour of the future professional kitchen space

For 25 years, the Pepin Family Foundation has been a proud founding partner of the school—supporting the growth of Pepin Academies and helping provide the resources students need to thrive.

About Pepin Family Foundation

The Pepin Family Foundation is a family-led nonprofit focused on healthcare, education, and mental health and wellness services for frontline professionals. From its support of students with disabilities at Pepin Academies to its groundbreaking cardiac care at Pepin Heart Institute, the foundation’s initiatives embody a commitment to creating a stronger, healthier Tampa Bay. For more information, visit PepinFamilyFoundation.org.