This support program is for adults (18+ years) on the Developmental Disability waiver.

Shields Foundation is of the belief that we can positively impact the quality of care that is delivered to our clients. We recognize their individual needs and maintain excellent relationships with our employees, referral sources, and other state regulatory agencies. Regardless of religion, age, race, sexual orientation, or gender we provide a wide range of services to help our individuals remain healthy and safe in our homes.

We can provide residential services in a host home, independent apartment, or PCA setting. We can also provide support for individuals to receive residential services utilizing the family caregiver model. We help our individuals set and achieve personalized goals to maximize independence and foster the highest-level quality of life possible. We can assist individuals in our residential program in the following areas:

• Community access
• Money management goals
• Achieving optimal mental health
• Opportunities to express feelings and needs
• Opportunities to make safe and informed choices
• Representative payee support
• Opportunities to build close relationships with care providers.

Host Homes: We can provide safe and caring host home placements with dedicated providers for adults on the Developmental Disabilities wavier.We can serve individuals with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as mental health needs. We work hard to match our individuals we serve with a host home environment and provider that fits their preferences and needs. Our host homes provide a nurturing, family-like environment with support to encourage independence for the people we serve.

Independent Apartment: We can provide independent apartments for individuals on the Developmental Disabilities wavier. This gives them an opportunity to live in an apartment setting, by themselves or with roommates. Shields Foundation staff regularly checks on individuals in this program by phone, video, and in-person visits and are available 24/7 should the need for support arise. Shields staff can provide assistance with money management, shopping, meal preparation, managing of medications, being familiar with emergency procedures, use of community resources, and transportation.

PCA: We can provide residential services for individuals to have their own room in a house setting with 24/7 rotating staff members present to assist with personal care needs, support, and supervision.

Family Caregiver:Individuals receiving care with our family caregiver support model stay in the comfort of their own home with their family members providing services. The designated family caregiver receives the same training and support from Shields Foundation that our host home providers receive. Family caregivers are also held to the same care standards as our host home providers, which requires ongoing documentation and regular communication with Shields Foundation.

We provide respite care to give families and providers a short term relief from being primary caregivers. Many caregivers experience stress and emotional exhaustion trying to juggle their needs with the responsibilities of caring for adults with disabilities. This also gives the person receiving services a break from their everyday environment and a chance to refresh.

We have one-on-one and group employment programs. These programs will build essential skills to make each individual successful in any employment environment.

Here are a few examples of topics we cover:

• Job Positions and Expectations
• Appropriate Workplace Behavior
• Understanding Pay
• Professional Relationships
• Role of a Supervisor
• Customer Service
• Time management
• Resume Creation
• Americans with Disabilities Act Information and Rights Review

Our Supported Community Connections program offers the individuals we serve an opportunity to get out of the house and involved in the community. We provide support to enable increased mobility, relationship building, decision making, and self-advocacy skills. This will help our individuals thrive out in the world.

We build our SCC schedule with a variety of activities that foster fun, new, and meaningful experiences. Some examples of activities we participate in are:

• Bowling & Other Entertainment Activities
• Arts & Crafts
• Going to museums, libraries, and other cultural attractions
• Volunteering
• Board & Sports Games
• Going to parks and other natural attractions

Our direct support staff are experienced, trustworthy, kind, supportive, and positive people that are dedicated to supporting the people we serve and treating them with the utmost respect. Our staff build relationships with the individuals in our programs and provide person-centered support.

Transportation: We provide transportation to pick up individuals in our program to activities in the community from their homes.