Community Connection Services

One of Allies main tenet is that any community residence or independent living arrangements can be isolating if the individual and their services are not closely tied to the community. It is the interweaving of these services and the connections that are created that form the tapestry of their life.

To accomplish this Allies has a Community Connector on staff, whose sole responsibility is to connect individuals with the community in ways that are meaningful to them. The Community Connector achieves this by meeting with each person and conducting an interest survey. Based on the findings of this survey, they then match the individual with community groups that fit within the goals and dreams of the person. Here is a listing of organizations we routinely work with to connect people with disabilities to their communities:

• Churches and interfaith group
  
• Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, Women’s organizations, Jaycees, etc.
  
• Local Libraries
  
• Volunteer organizations such as RSVP and Foster Grandparent programs
  
• Senior Centers and Nursing Homes
  
• Local Hospitals
  
• Food Banks, Soup Kitchens, Homeless and Women’s Shelters
  
• Local Colleges
  
• Local Schools-all levels; Allies makes connections with service groups within the school and volunteer coordinators
  
• Local Fire and Police Departments
  
• Local Garden Clubs, Theatre organizations, Historical societies, Coin Collecting, Chess Clubs, etc. (all based on the interests of the Individual)
  
• YMCA/YWCA

Community Connection Counselors can assist you or your family member to develop the community support services necessary for a successful life. Each individual is supported to develop connections in a place of their own choosing that is not paid staff, but rather people with similar interests. The goal is to have a place where everyone knows their name.