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Community Integration
For almost everyone, a sense of belonging is important for a full life.
The Village's Social and Recreation Services encourage members to
participate in a wide assortment of community activities to help them
reduce their isolation and develop relationships outside the Village.
Description
Ÿ Members select and organize
activities, supported by two social/recreational staff.
Ÿ Members are assisted in the logistics of planning, including
determining costs, arranging transportation and publicizing activities to
their Village peers.
Ÿ Activities typically take place out in
the Southern California community, instead of the confines of the Village.
Members go to Long Beach and Los Angeles concerts and plays, the local malls for shopping
and movies and the area's sporting and amusement attractions.
Ÿ Staff support members with
"social coaching" in areas such as expected dress and behaviors
to help them feel at ease at social events.
Ÿ Activities are held on weekends,
evening and holidays, not to conflict with members' work schedules. All
holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, are celebrated on their
actual date, not the day before or after in order to accommodate staff.
Ÿ A 24-hour recreation hotline and
monthly calendar keep members posted of all upcoming events.
Ÿ Members are encouraged to join local
organizations such as YMCA, book clubs or any interest group they choose.
Impact
Ÿ Members now have an active social life
with friends and the opportunity to try new interests.
Ÿ Members and staff reach out to other
members who are hesitant to join in on their own.
Ÿ Members take responsibility for their
own leisure time.
Ÿ Members develop outside interests and
new hobbies not built around their mental illness.
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