Independent Living Program

One of the most beneficial  programs at FIA is the Independent Living Program(IL).Through out the years a many a memeber has graduated from this program and has since moved out onto their own.

This program meets once a  week program. The members must learn different aspects of skills needed to live out on their own independently. Some of these skills include: cooking, cleaning, shopping, medication awareness, safety, how to fill out a rental application/ lease, mock interviews along with many other areas which are too numerous to mention.

Each member attends a weekly group seession followed by multiple work tasks which is monitored by mentors. Some of the mentors are previous IL graduates themselves.

IL gives these members who currently reside in residential Care facilities the abilitiy to make a positive change, not only in their surroundings but also in themselves.

After the completion of this program each member has a graduation ceremony ( with caps and gowns )
in where they can be proud of their accomplishments. For some this is their first graduation as they never had the oppurtunity to finish high school .

Once a member completes IL a select few of apartment complexes adjust their rent to reflect completion of the course. State funds along with EMAA housing department also assist.

Our goal here at clubhouse it to improve self esteem, build confidence, and make a positive change in each member. I believe that thru IL this can happen.