A candidate for someone living at The Lodge has likely attempted independent living or employment and has difficulty maintaining them due to mental health related concerns. Although we are not there yet, we will soon get to a phase where we are conducting screening and eligibility questionnaires in stages. We can currently share the following as an initial eligibility:

• APD recipient with dedicated residential funding appropriate to the level of need for the resident OR person with IDD with the financial support to cover a private room & board rate
• Mental health barriers or diagnoses documented by a licensed mental health professional or physician
• Medicaid State Plan or acceptable Medicaid Managed Care Plan to cover mental health services OR ability to fund these support services by other means
• Goal of living independently in the future

Most people who live at The Lodge will likely pay for their services through their APD Cost Plan. Residents are responsible for their room and board, which can be paid from their social security or other means if available.

There will be six one-bedroom apartment suites, which we anticipate will be continuously occupied. Each apartment will have privacy and several suite-like features to assist with process of learning independence.

As with all APD-Licensed Group Homes, The Lodge will always have staff presence when any resident is in the home.

Yes, just as if you lived in your own apartment or in other community home settings, your apartment unit is your own. It should reflect your personality and bring you joy. The Arc Jacksonville can assist with furnishing and equipment based on the needs and desires of each resident.

The Arc Jacksonville does not restrict visitors in any group homes unless it is a decision that the resident agrees to or is otherwise mandated.

As with our other APD-licensed group homes, meals and snacks are provided. Additionally, individual suites have kitchenettes, where individuals can prepare food on their own as a part of the process of learning independence.

We currently have an interest list available through our website. A waiting list will be developed as the screening and eligibility process unfolds.

Yes, The Arc Jacksonville does not restrict leaving the home unless it is a decision the resident agrees to or is otherwise mandated.

Although both are operated by The Arc Jacksonville, The Lodge is not part of The Village. Interacting with Village residents will be similar to any neighbors interacting, but accessing Village events and amenities will be available on a limited basis and may require additional fees.

The key goal of living at The Lodge is preparation for living independently. One element of living on your own is having your own resources. If you have a counselor in the community, we encourage you to maintain that important relationship. We will ask that we can communicate with your other providers so we can have and provide the same insight as if you were seeing one of our counselors for support.

The Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) services offered to residents of The Lodge is a key component of living there. Much like work or school, everyone is entitled to some time away, but participation in mental health services is what sets The Lodge apart from traditional group homes. If someone refuses to engage in that aspect of this support, The Lodge may not be the right place for them at that time.

The key goal of living at The Lodge is preparation for living independently. Therefore, we do not anticipate The Lodge being anyone’s “forever home.” The length of residency will depend on how much progress a person makes toward accomplishing goals and overcoming barriers to successful independence while living there.

Although both are operated by The Arc Jacksonville, The Lodge is not part of The Village. The Village has its own eligibility criteria and waiting list – availability is unpredictable and vacancies are not placed on a hold, including for Lodge residents. We suggest anyone interested in living at The Village go through the interest and eligibility process ASAP. Because nothing can be promised, we always recommend people explore multiple avenues for independent and supported living situations.