[ View Opportunity ]
| Last updated on October 13, 2008 |
Sheltered Living, Inc. supports people with disabilities to achieve independence and actively participate in the community.
Description:
To accomplish our mission, Sheltered Living, Inc. will focus on individual capabilities to set the broadest course for life, engage families and guardians in plans and accomplishments, and work to protect basic rights through education and advocacy.
As a non-profit agency, we coordinate two fundraisers each year. They are: Sheltered Living Golf Classic sponsored by Waste Management and the Festival of Trees. Festival of Trees is a four day community event which offers viewing of 60 plus decorated trees donated by community groups and organizations, entertainment, Hobby Lobby's sponsored Candy Cane Lane which is a craft area for children, Mistletoe Market offering consignment items from area quilters and craftsmen, a bakery and silent auction. Volunteers are the Heart and Soul of the Festival of Trees.
History:
1970: TARC families and concerned community advocates formed a committee to study the need for residential living facilities for adults with mental retardation.
1971: Their vision and enthusiasm led to the incorporation of Sheltered Living, Inc. Until this point in time, families with children who had disabilities, had to make a choice between keeping their adult children at home or institutionalizing them.
1972:The first group home opened, housing 12 men and women.
1977: Maggie Beers chaired the first Festival of Trees, as a fundraiser for the agency which had a deficit of $16,000. The Festival raised $16,000 that year.
1980's: Service grew to include Independent Living. Clients were taught how to budget for food, grocery shop, use the bus system, money management and other skills.
As new clients came into our services, existing clients were placed in smaller homes and Semi-Independent Living opportunities were available in small apartments. Staff lived on-site and were able to assist with daily living skills and transportation.
1990's: The first Assisted Living apartments were opened. This was the first time in Topeka an agency provided services for individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. The developers for each complex worked with us to design the living spaces to meet our clients' needs. At each complex two apartments were linked together and it was the first time we employed awake staff overnight.
Three additional group homes were built to meet the expanding need for services. State institutions were downsizing and the Topeka State Hospital closed.
The Maggie Beers Training Center was opened for clients who needed an alternative day program.
2006: Sheltered Living, Inc. earned our 4th Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) award. CARF is an international organization. This accreditation outcome represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and demonstrates the organization's substantial conformance to the standards established by CARF.
2007: Today, we provide Community Living (residential services) for 178 men and women. There are 41 clients in the Day Program and it has expanded to include three small satellite programs. We have 3 Case Managers who work with 81 clients. In total, we provide services for approximately 200 men and women and employ 200 staff. Sheltered Living is the only CARF accredited agency providing residential services for adults in Shawnee County.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (785) 266-8709
Address:
Web Site: http://www.shelteredliving.org
Directions:
 |
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 21st and Topeka Blvd.,
Walk distance (in minutes): 7
Nearest Bus Stop: 21st and Topeka Blvd., 7 minute walk |
Be the first person to offer feedback on this agency!
Post a volunteer reflection to share your experiences with other volunteers!
|
