Community Integration & Education

In 2010, Willows Way developed an alternative to the traditional day habilitation program with the launch of Community Integration & Education. The program is designed for participants to be involved in community activities and volunteering the majority of their day, as well as engaging in organized activities at the program site. Participants are matched with one or two others in the program to share activities, work toward personal goals and enjoy the social benefits of being part of a group.

Each week, participants design their own schedules to meet personal interests and goals in collaboration with their group partners from a calendar of activities provided for them. The calendars include community activities, volunteering opportunities, activities and events at participant’s homes, large community events, as well as classes and activities at the Community Integration & Education program site. Most activities offered on the calendars are free. Some activities involve an admission fee paid for by the Community Integration & Education program, while other activities are chosen and paid for by each participant as they have interest and are willing to pay. Weekly schedules are designed to be a flexible tool for all participants with the adjustment of activities as interests, weather and other factors might require.   

Eligibility criteria for the program includes:

• Diagnosed with a developmental disability
• Be at least 18 years of age
  
• Eligible for Case Management services through the Department of Mental Health
  
• Current resident of St. Louis County or St. Charles County. 
  
• Available during program hours.  Monday-Friday 9:00A.M.-3:00P.M.
  
• Approved for Medicaid Waiver funding

Class topics you might expect on monthly calendars include: