Friendship Home, Inc.

Programs: Individual supports programfriendship home became qualified to provide individual support services through the massachusetts department of developmental services in 2010. A broad range of options is offered that are designed to help individuals remain in their family home or apartment by providing life skills training, travel training, vocational support and a variety of other supports. Individual support advocates meet with individuals and families to design an array of supports that help the individual to build skills, safely access the community and fulfill their goals and objectives.

bridges to work programthe bridges to work program offers job training and placement opportunities as well as enriching activities and life skills training for adults with developmental disabilities. The program served 55 individuals in fy18, of which a significant number work in paid jobs throughout the community. The remaining program participants are working toward employment by participating in internships, on the job training and classroom training where they choose their classes on a quarterly basis. Friendship home works with over 25 community businesses to develop work opportunities for our enthusiastic and well trained workers. Job coaches provides on-site coaching as needed and maintain ongoing relationships with employers. Enrichment activities include vocational exploration trips to businesses, advocacy trips, travel training and recreational outings that help to build confidence and skills.

overnight respitelaunched in april 2012, overnight respite is at the core of friendship home's mission. Adults with developmental disabilities may stay at our state of the art "home away from home" for periods of one night to two weeks. While visiting, they experience independence, learn new skills and have fun, while their caregivers have the opportunity to attend to other priorities and replenish their energy. We have two five-bedroom units. The first respite unit opened in april, 2012 for weekends and the second unit opened for weekends during 2013. During fy 2018, the respite program delivered over 950 bed/days of service to guests from southeastern massachusetts and the boston area.