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ADULT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Community Engagement

Learning, confidence, and connection in real community spaces

Small group outings in real community spaces where individuals build confidence, friendships, and life skills.

Supporting Adults as They Explore the World Around Them

Some adults feel most comfortable and confident when they are out in the community rather than inside a center. They enjoy fresh air, familiar places, friendly faces, and gentle routines that help them grow. Families want their loved one to have these safe and meaningful experiences, but they also want to know they are closely supervised and supported every step of the way.

Our Community Engagement program offers this balance. It gives individuals a chance to spend their day in real community settings with staff who understand their needs and walk beside them with patience and encouragement.

This program helps individuals build confidence in small moments. A simple trip to the library, a walk through a park, or a visit to a local shop becomes an opportunity to learn, make choices, practice communication, and enjoy the world.

What Community Engagement Looks Like

Community Engagement is a group-based service that supports up to three individuals at a time. This small size allows staff to provide close attention while still creating opportunities for peer interaction and social growth.

A Typical Outing May Include

  • Visits to parks and walking trails
  • Time at the library exploring books or using the computers
  • Trips to local stores to practice money management
  • Volunteer experiences that build responsibility
  • Recreational activities like bowling or art events
  • Visits to museums or community centers
  • Group conversations, decision making, and planning

Every outing has a purpose. Activities are chosen to support goals in the Individual Support Plan. Skills grow naturally through real life experiences, not worksheets or classroom settings.

Why Families Choose Community Engagement

Families often tell us their loved one lights up when they get to go out into the community. They feel included. They feel capable. They feel connected.

  • Meaningful participation in real environments

    Individuals learn how to navigate the spaces they will use throughout their lives.

  • Support that feels natural and respectful

    Staff quietly guide individuals through choices, challenges, and new experiences.

  • Small group size for comfort and safety

    The 1 to 3 ratio allows staff to stay close and present without overwhelming the individual.

  • Gentle encouragement to try new things

    A new place or activity becomes less intimidating when someone patient is standing beside you.

  • Growth that families can see

    Over time, many individuals begin to show more confidence, better communication, and stronger awareness of their surroundings.

Our Staff

Our Community Engagement staff are trained to support adults with a wide range of needs.

  • They know how to create calm, predictable routines.
  • They understand nonverbal communication, sensory needs, safety awareness, and behavioral strategies.
  • They show kindness and consistency in every interaction.
  • They carry emergency information, first aid kits, and phones at all times.
  • Every outing is planned with safety and comfort in mind.

Who Can Participate

This program is for adults who:

  • Are eligible for the CL or FIS Waiver
  • Have Community Engagement in their ISP
  • Enjoy or benefit from time outside the home or center
  • Can participate safely in a small group environment

Individuals who need more one-on-one support may benefit from our Community Coaching program, which provides personalized assistance in community settings.

Hours and Scheduling

  • Community Engagement operates Monday through Friday.
  • Outings are scheduled based on the individual's goals, preferences, and support needs.
  • Evening or weekend activities may be available depending on the ISP.
  • Transportation is always supervised, and staff remain with individuals throughout the entire outing.

A Gentle Path Toward Independence

Community Engagement helps individuals take small steps toward independence while feeling supported at every moment. It gives them a chance to enjoy their community in a safe and meaningful way.

Families often tell us their loved ones come home happier, calmer, and more confident.

If your loved one needs a caring program that helps them grow through everyday experiences, we are here to guide them.

Interested in Community Engagement?

Contact us to learn more or begin the admissions process.