The Bridges Adult Transition Center provides inclusive curriculum in real-world settings, including a Target lab where students with disabilities gain life skills and vocational training. The lab is a learning space, replicating a Target store on a small scale, which received upgrades in May 2026 thanks to an ongoing community partnership. The project included the creation of new aisles and shelving while also refreshing store inventory in the space.

As part of Niles Township High School District 219, Bridges established a partnership with Target Corporation when its current building opened in 2021 in Lincolnwood. Since that time, the Target lab has contributed to the successful independent living and vocational skills for many Bridges students. “Community-based experiences are at the heart of our special education programs that prepare students for life beyond school,” remarked Kate Seiwert, Director of Bridges. “The incredible care and advocacy of our vocational coordinator, Nikki Ellis, has ensured that our students have access to resources that make a real difference in their daily lives.” 

Nikki Ellis (right) provides a tour of the updated Target lab for Mahyar Moghtader, Bridges student. The mock store at Bridges gives students hands-on experiences shopping and working in a retail environment, supporting their learning independent living skills. 

Target team members and volunteers, many from the stores in Niles, Skokie and the Chicagoland area, were part of the community engagement and collaboration efforts at Bridges. "This partnership has a fantastic history … and today, we’re continuing to reinvest in this space to make the learning experience even better and more dynamic for the students," said Matt Liska, Property Management Director and Community Captain with Target. "We truly believe that the Target experience starts deep in the community, long before you ever walk through our front doors."

More than 40 Target team members and volunteers spent hours at the Bridges Adult Transition Center for the spring project. "At Target, being a great community partner isn't just something we say—it's who we are,” remarked Matt Liska.

Visit the Bridges Adult Transition Center website for more information.