Life Options
In February Challenge debuted an innovative new program called “Challenge Choice”. This comprehensive program offers employment service options in combination with a large variety of day program activities. Day program activities are offered as part of the Life Options Program, enabling people at Challenge to choose from a diverse menu of services:
◊ EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
◊ VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY SERVICE
◊ SOCIAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT
◊ APPLIED DAILY LIVING SKILLS
◊ CONTINUED LEARNING & LITERACY
◊ HEALTH & NUTRITION
◊ LEISURE AND HOBBY DEVELOPMENT
This new initiative takes a holistic approach to the needs of our program participants, and helps them access opportunities that are designed to promote a healthy, happy life.
Though the sense of purpose achieved and the economic benefits of working are very important to the people that we serve, we also know that it requires more than work for all of us to attain a full and balanced life. However, individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience social isolation, and less likely to pursue their interests in leisure, recreation, and life-long learning. By offering individuals possibilities like field trips to museums, gardening with the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Community Beautification Program, volunteering, studying current events, and participating in independent study and exercise classes, we hope that people will experience days that are filled with purpose through the pursuit of meaningful activity. When people become active in their community, and have opportunities to pursue other interests, the natural result is greater integration and inclusion, as well as skill development.
The program is in its beginning stages, but we are excited about expanding our day program options as a complement, or an alternative to the vocational services that Challenge has been providing well for the last 40 years.
For more information, please contact: Ellice Switzer Life Options Coordinator Challenge 402 East State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-8990 ext. 164 ellices @ aboutchallenge.org