Philosophy

• ​We believe that every person, regardless of their abilities, has the right to be fully included in their community and to live the life they choose.
• FRIENDS Independent Living Services supports individuals in a manner that works best for each person and is appropriate to their lifestyle.
• We customize support to meet the person’s needs, preferences and desires.
• We believe everyone should have opportunities to learn new skills and develop existing ones
• We believe every adult should have choice and control over their own lives.

Individual Services

• Appropriate to the individual’s lifestyle and are designed to meet the person’s unique needs
• Increased independence, empowerment and self advocacy
• Community integration
• Development of authentic relationships
• Health and medical care support
• Emotional well being
• Financial education
• Personal safety
• Homemaker and household maintenance

Models of Service

Host Home
Adults live in private homes where they can be immersed in the everyday activities of family and community life.  Individuals receive personalized support from nurturing providers who ensure their safety and well being.  Providers also develop a quality relationship of support and guidance with the individual while providing the least restrictive environment as possible.

Family Care Giver / Family Referred Employee
Adults can receive residential services by a family member of their choice.  Family members are hired by FRIENDS to provide daily support with personal care, household tasks, finances, medical appointments, and community connections.

Independent Living
Central to the program is individualized services and personal choice. Every person in the program is actively involved in planning their own daily routine and determining the supports they need to be successful. Staff encourage and assist people to accomplish valued personal goals, independence, and to be an integral part of the community. ​

Goals

• To allow participants to experience an independent lifestyle.
• To support participants as they work towards independence.
• To educate participants how to develop and maintain social networks.
• To develop positive adult decision-making skills.
• To provide continual support and advocacy for participants.
• To increase self-worth and a successful outlook on life.
• To improve health and wellness.
• To maintain personal budgets and coordinate meaningful life activities.

Independent Living Program

Overview

At its core, FRIENDS Independent Living is a program designed to transition adults with developmental disabilities from a lifestyle of dependence to one of independence. It targets individuals with a concrete desire to work toward their maximum independent potential. Staff supports are structured to provide no more than the consumer needs and to then be scaled back as they master skills of independent living.
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The program can utilize Supported Living Services, Comprehensive Services, and Private Pay options.

Program
Direct support is provided in the following areas:

• Personal Care: money management, shopping
  
• ​Home Maker: meal prep, chores and routine household care, laundry, maintenance
• Mentorship: promoting self-advocacy (instructing, providing experiences, modeling, advising), understanding complicated health and safety issues
  
• Misc.: scheduling, social interaction and engagement coaching, public transportation

​Additionally, all consumers have access to 24-hour emergency on-call assistance.

Qualifications
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• At least 18 years of age but no more than 50 at time of entry
• Primary diagnosis is developmentally disabled
• Secondary diagnosis is not substance-related, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, or certain bipolar disorders
• Does not require 24-hour on-site supervision
• Does not require physical assistance with personal hygiene
• Does not require assistance with daily medical or nursing type intervention.
  
• Participant must be able to take all medications independently
• Recent physical evaluation and description of any medications required
• Does not exhibit behaviors that would be a threat to self or others

Eligibility to enter the Independent Living Program is based on medical, psychological, independent living skills, and social skill ability. The Independent Living Program will not provide daily medical or nursing intervention; therefore any applicant requiring such assistance would not qualify for the program.

Program Costs

Direct support staff costs for consumers with Supportive Living Services (SLS) and Comprehensive Services are covered by the state. For private pay consumers, there is a simple hourly rate plus staff transportation costs if living outside a 6-mile radius of the FRIENDS facility. Please contact us for more details.

Consumer Responsibilities
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Individuals who utilize SLS or pay privately are expected to sign their own lease and set up their utilities. They are also encouraged to obtain a Section 8 Housing Voucher. FRIENDS staff will assist them in maintaining their accounts, but FRIENDS does not cover any living expenses. For those with comprehensive services, the focus of the program is the same, although FRIENDS will facilitate all aspects of the consumer’s needs.

FRIENDS Host Homes

FRIENDS strives to create a supportive, community-centered program. This carries through into the Host Homes. Coupled with the philosophy of independence, FRIENDS aims to provide each consumer an individualized environment that promotes their personal growth and increases the fulfillment they experience in their own life.
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FRIENDS is always on the lookout for providers who are eager to base their service in this philosophy. Broomfield, Boulder, and Jefferson counties are currently where FRIENDS consumers are served. Cities within this catchment area include: Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Westminster, Boulder, and Longmont. If you or anyone you know is interested in enriching the life of an adult with developmental disabilities through FRIENDS, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more about the process of becoming a Host Home Provider. Both individuals and families are welcome!

Companion Model ( with Section 8 )

FRIENDS also facilitates companion model support environments under the Section 8 Housing Voucher. In this model, the consumer lives together with a Live-in Aide who can support them around activities of daily living while providing them the opportunity for productive socialization in their home. As with all FRIENDS residential programs, their support will be structured in such a way as to maximize the acquisition of independent abilities. This model works best with comprehensive services, but is certainly open to other funding solutions.
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As with Host Homes, FRIENDS is always seeking individuals who are eager to make a difference in the life of an adult with developmental disabilities as a Live-in Aide. Please contact us with any question.