www.friendslife.org

EDUCATION 

The term “education” is used in the traditional sense to describe a formal process or time in which one is educated. Most typically, education refers to the time spent in school from pre-school to college. Education for an adult with a developmental disability is more of a life-long term. At Friends Life we seize every opportunity to educate our Friends and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to grow and develop as young adults. We educate on the history of the area in which we live; we educate them on the needs within our community and the ways we can help to meet those needs; we educate them on manners and social etiquette; we educate them on how to build relationships with one another; we educate them so they know that they are a person of value and purpose.

EMPLOYMENT

Many of our young adults have a strong desire to find jobs and go to work each day just like their friends, family and neighbors all do. They have a desire to be productive and make a contribution in way that is meaningful. Securing employment is not an easy task for our Friends and unfortunately, many employers are not interested in employing someone with a developmental disability. Friends Life works to develop partnerships with local organizations to assist in training and equipping these young adults with the skills, both technical and social, needed to be employed. We invest into them in such a way that they are better equipped to seek out and secure employment. Friends Life desires to be a community advocate for working with employers to employ adults with developmental disabilities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ August 2009 data, only 22 percent of individuals with a disability over the age of 16 are in the labor force. Friends Life desires to see this statistic change for the better in the years to come. As a community, Friends Life will provide the opportunity for employment training and development through strategic partnerships with Feed the Children, Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Room in the Inn.

RECREATION

Promoting healthy lifestyles is important for everyone, especially for an adult with a developmental disability. Often times, physical recreation can be therapeutic, educational and also promote the individuals ability rather than disability. Friends Life addresses the need for physical activity to promote a greater quality of life. All recreational activities are designed to meet every individual where he or she is physically. Through a collaborative partnership with local community organizations, Friends Life offers a comprehensive recreation time that includes:

Circuit Training: A group exercise designed with stations for strength training, endurance and stretching.  All exercises are adaptable for each ability for total inclusion.

Yoga: A facilitation of light stretching and deep breathing exercises to increase flexibility and movement.  It is also helpful with stress relief especially for people with little verbal communication.

The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP): A program that maximizes senses and the body's natural rhythms.  It uses sound, color, touch to stimulate memory, communication, learning and even leadership skills.