Today is my last day interning for the Supported Community Living Initiative for the fall semester. For the past four months, I’ve learned an abundance of information and experienced more than I ever imagined. Meeting everyone involved in the program has given me even more motivation and encouragement to continue pursuing my own goal in becoming a social worker. Each individual involved has a dream of independence and recently I was fortunate enough to be a part of some one fulfilling that dream.
After years of living under his parents’ roof, a young man recently moved into his own home. With smiles and excitement, he and his family invited us to hold his next circle meeting at his new house. With a tremendous circle of support, this young man gained the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve his goal of independence. He now has his own game room and a big screen television to enjoy watching with his brother and has secured employment in order to earn an income to keep up with paying his own bills, in which he is thrilled to finally have!
It has been such a satisfying experience working with a group of individuals with extreme amounts of passion and devotion. It gives me an indescribable feeling seeing the joy in one’s face that has just overcame an incredible obstacle. I look forward to returning for the spring semester with the hopes of experiencing yet even more rewarding events.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
PATH
A Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope (PATH) plan is a complete overview of what an individual has, may need, and desires in his/her life. It is completed during a meeting scheduled after a circle of support is obtained in order to visualize the future goals of an individual referred to the Supported Community Living Initiative. As I have learned about PATH months ago, I have witnessed my first one come together.
The only real way to imagine what one would want to see in their future is to draw it, either in the individual’s mind or on paper. During the PATH plan, the person seeking to move out dictates what their dreams are, whether it is to live in their own apartment or own their own home; where it may be located; possible employment and any other goal they wish to achieve. Each dream is drawn on a large poster in order to completely see how the future could look for them.
After planning the ultimate goals, each goal is broken down by one year, six months, three months and one month. Each member of the circle is given a task and asked to complete it by the next month. A circle meeting is held each month to determine the progress being made to fulfill the individual’s dreams. Eventually, by the time one year approaches, the individual should be close to or already residing in their new home.
Recently, an individual who has already completed his PATH and moved into his own apartment attended a circle meeting for a newcomer who is beginning the process. It was a completely different experience to have been through the ordeal and be able to describe the method to someone who is unaware of what to expect. The presence of this individual was extremely helpful in allowing the newcomer to create a visual from actual experiences. Hopefully, the dreams and aspirations of others are positively influenced by realizing they can reach any goal they desire by believing in themselves.
The only real way to imagine what one would want to see in their future is to draw it, either in the individual’s mind or on paper. During the PATH plan, the person seeking to move out dictates what their dreams are, whether it is to live in their own apartment or own their own home; where it may be located; possible employment and any other goal they wish to achieve. Each dream is drawn on a large poster in order to completely see how the future could look for them.
After planning the ultimate goals, each goal is broken down by one year, six months, three months and one month. Each member of the circle is given a task and asked to complete it by the next month. A circle meeting is held each month to determine the progress being made to fulfill the individual’s dreams. Eventually, by the time one year approaches, the individual should be close to or already residing in their new home.
Recently, an individual who has already completed his PATH and moved into his own apartment attended a circle meeting for a newcomer who is beginning the process. It was a completely different experience to have been through the ordeal and be able to describe the method to someone who is unaware of what to expect. The presence of this individual was extremely helpful in allowing the newcomer to create a visual from actual experiences. Hopefully, the dreams and aspirations of others are positively influenced by realizing they can reach any goal they desire by believing in themselves.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Independence
Many individuals currently receiving services from the Supported Community Living Initiative seem to value their involvement with it and have grown into more positive people. After developing a circle of support, each person gains more trust and understanding of others desire to help them and they feel even more motivated to succeed. Eventually, the process evolves where they move into a new home and possibly find employment in a field of their choice.
One particular person whom I’ve met over the past couple weeks couldn’t be happier living on his own. He compares group home living with living in his own apartment by the difference in his meals. While living in a group home, a meal was prepared each day according to the menu. Now that he lives in his own apartment, he is taken grocery shopping and able to choose his food each day.
Another individual talks about his job managing his own money. While having one’s own apartment comes with many positives, there are a few other things which add to living on your own such as paying bills. It may be tiring holding a regular job but in order to support yourself it needs to be done.
The Supported Community Living Initiative not only helps people find alternative housing that best fits their wants and needs but it also prepares individuals for a life on their own. It reminds people of their importance in this world and encourages them to be all they can be.
One particular person whom I’ve met over the past couple weeks couldn’t be happier living on his own. He compares group home living with living in his own apartment by the difference in his meals. While living in a group home, a meal was prepared each day according to the menu. Now that he lives in his own apartment, he is taken grocery shopping and able to choose his food each day.
Another individual talks about his job managing his own money. While having one’s own apartment comes with many positives, there are a few other things which add to living on your own such as paying bills. It may be tiring holding a regular job but in order to support yourself it needs to be done.
The Supported Community Living Initiative not only helps people find alternative housing that best fits their wants and needs but it also prepares individuals for a life on their own. It reminds people of their importance in this world and encourages them to be all they can be.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Building Excellence: "Tools for Success"
Start Date: 11/17/2008 @ 10:00 am
End Date: 11/19/2008 @ 12:00 pm
The Charles Lea Center is hosting a conference for all employees working directly with people with disabilities and special needs! The cost is just $50 per person for three days of training.
Topics to be covered include:
Autism training,
Active treatment
Effective communication
Dual diagnosis
Self advocacy
Jig & adaptive devices
Supervisory training
Person-centered planning
Dealing with aging
Job set-up
Rehabilitation engineering
Team bulding
Behavior management and much more!
End Date: 11/19/2008 @ 12:00 pm
The Charles Lea Center is hosting a conference for all employees working directly with people with disabilities and special needs! The cost is just $50 per person for three days of training.
Topics to be covered include:
Autism training,
Active treatment
Effective communication
Dual diagnosis
Self advocacy
Jig & adaptive devices
Supervisory training
Person-centered planning
Dealing with aging
Job set-up
Rehabilitation engineering
Team bulding
Behavior management and much more!
Friday, August 29, 2008
My First Experiences
As an out of state resident and a full time student filled with many dreams and ambitions, I find myself relating, in a way, to many individuals who are currently being provided with services from the Supported Community Living Initiative. I moved to South Carolina just over a month ago and was very confused and apprehensive yet extremely anxious about the new and exciting discoveries I was about to pursue. Once meeting everyone at the Center for Disability Resources, I then met a few of the individuals who have already moved into their own home, and I have never felt more welcome in this new environment.
Each individual choosing to become a part of the Supported Community Living Initiative has a specific goal. Their goal is to gain enough independence to live completely on their own whether it’s buying/renting a house or renting an apartment. Each person has overcome many obstacles to get where they are today and should be proud of their accomplishments. Each person has a strong heart and mind and is determined to chase what they really want in life, which is to be accepted.
As far as me relating to them, I feel as though I have finally chosen something in life that fits my personality. My dream is to do something or be a part of something tremendously rewarding. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Supported Community Living Initiative for that very reason. I already see myself as being independent but sometimes feel lost, especially living 800 miles from home. I have always wanted to move and live on my own and am beginning to feel at home in South Carolina, interning at the CDR. I am beginning to feel accepted.
Each individual choosing to become a part of the Supported Community Living Initiative has a specific goal. Their goal is to gain enough independence to live completely on their own whether it’s buying/renting a house or renting an apartment. Each person has overcome many obstacles to get where they are today and should be proud of their accomplishments. Each person has a strong heart and mind and is determined to chase what they really want in life, which is to be accepted.
As far as me relating to them, I feel as though I have finally chosen something in life that fits my personality. My dream is to do something or be a part of something tremendously rewarding. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Supported Community Living Initiative for that very reason. I already see myself as being independent but sometimes feel lost, especially living 800 miles from home. I have always wanted to move and live on my own and am beginning to feel at home in South Carolina, interning at the CDR. I am beginning to feel accepted.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
SCL Training Opportunities
Are you a person with a disability interested in moving into your own home?
Are you a service provider wanting to support people in new and creative ways?
The Supported Community Living Initiative through University of South Carolina's Center for Disability Resources is now offering training and technical assistance to people interested in providing innovative supports.
Contact Kristi Hartwell at (803) 935-5947 or via email Kristi.Hartwell@uscmed.sc.edu for more information.
Are you a service provider wanting to support people in new and creative ways?
The Supported Community Living Initiative through University of South Carolina's Center for Disability Resources is now offering training and technical assistance to people interested in providing innovative supports.
Contact Kristi Hartwell at (803) 935-5947 or via email Kristi.Hartwell@uscmed.sc.edu for more information.
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