On Saturday September 7, 2019, the Transition to Independent Living Program (TIL) will be bringing back Casino Night, an event last held in 2012. The theme this year is based on the movie Casablanca, which was set in Morocco and featured a casino owned by the main character, Rick. Doors open at 5:30pm, with dinner at 6:00pm. The event will be held at the West Side Rec & Park District Aera Gym. A bus will bring participants from Bakersfield to Taft. Activities will include a catered buffet by the Cougar Café; libations, black jack, poker, silent and live auctions, and music. Senator Shannon Grove will serve as Celebrity Auctioneer for the live auction.

Individual tickets are $75, with sponsorships of $1,500, $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000. Each level of sponsorship includes a reserved table with complimentary bottle of limited edition Tejon Ranch Wine and recognition. Click Here for Tickets.

The Transition to Independent Living Program (TIL) at Taft College is a post-secondary experience for individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities. The program provides instruction in a residential setting both on campus and within the community. The curriculum and training promote the acquisition of functional, social, and career skills necessary for students to live productive lives.

Since its inception in 1995, the TIL program has tracked its graduates for a 10-year period, after their graduation. This has resulted in strong quantifiable data to statistically demonstrate the program’s success, which includes a 68% of graduates living independently and 82% gainfully employed.