Summer LIFE ( Living Independently Finding Enrichment) is a ?crash course? for young adults (ages 18-26) with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in learning how to live independently.?A specially designed four-week course allows Summer LIFE participants to experience living on their own.
Throughout the four weeks they participate in different trainings and activities that help develop independent living skills such as cooking, budgeting and healthy lifestyle choices. In this month?s Mission Moment, meet Emily, Miguel and Patrick as they share their Summer LIFE experience with us.
Miguel Sanchez
What did you enjoy most about Summer LIFE?
It was fun and exciting to do all the different activities and events.
What was your favorite activity/workshop?
Learning how to budget and swimming in the pool.
What skills did you learn?
How to be independent and budget my money.
How did you feel being away from home?
It was very exciting!
What will you miss about Summer LIFE?
Having my own apartment and my roommates.
Patrick McFeely
What did you enjoy most about Summer LIFE??Hanging out and having fun with my friends, swimming in the pool, playing basketball and playing pool in the clubhouse.
What was your favorite activity/workshop?
Grocery shopping.
What skills did you learn?
I learned how to clean my room and the kitchen, how to do laundry and how to load the dishwasher and cook.
How did you feel being away from home?
I was very happy and I loved living on my own in my own apartment.
What will you miss about Summer LIFE?
Talking to my house mentor, Wes, and all of my friends.
Emily DeLisle
What did you enjoy most about Summer LIFE?
Cooking meals for me and my roommate.
What was your favorite activity/workshop?
Going to Sweet Pete?s Downtown.
What skills did you learn?
How to budget and how to get out of my apartment if there is a fire.
How did you feel being away from home?
Good! It made me feel independent.
What will you miss about Summer LIFE?
My friends and my housing mentor, Karen.