Independent Lifestyles Inc - A Center For Independent Living

Programs: The organization assists adults with disabilities in learning new & healthy independent living skills. Areas of skills training include: self-esteem, communication, relationships, housing, transportation, cooking/nutrition, financial management, and benefits management. The skills training is provided at the individual level and also in a group setting. The organization also offers representative payee services to persons when the social security administration has determined they are unable to manage their finances. The organization assists persons to meet primary needs and learn financial management skills so they can live as independently as possible. The organization offers the same skills training for youth ages 14-22 as it does for adults in the independent living skills training program.

pca (personal care attendant) choice - this program is designed to give the consumer the greatest control over their pca care. The organization acts as a fiscal intermediary for the consumer and their pca's but has no control over the care of the consumer. As the fiscal intermediary, the organization is responsible for billing dhs for services, pca payroll, paying and withholding taxes, insurances, doing background checks, maintaining agreements and statement of need.

the organization has persons with disabilities act as peer mentors to offer support, socialization and community integration to clients who are struggling with disability issues. A peer network is also offered by the organization as part of the peer support program. Persons who are interested in meeting other people with disabilities can input their information into the peer network database and locate others who are looking for new friendships. A computer is available for use at the organization's office. Independent lifestyles, inc. , a center for independent living also offers social activity groups which meet at least four times a month.