Enhancing Quality of Life Through Community-Based Services

Written By Jon Brasher

Building Meaningful Lives Through Community Connections

At 2316, we believe quality support extends beyond the walls of a home. A successful Waiver experience involves helping individuals build meaningful relationships, develop independence, discover personal interests, and become active members of their communities.

A person-centered approach means identifying what is important to each individual and helping them access opportunities that promote personal growth, confidence, independence, and a greater quality of life.

2316 encourages Waiver providers, individuals, families, and support teams to explore community-based resources and natural supports that align with each person's goals, preferences, and interests.

Recovery, Support, and Peer-Based Resources

AA or NA – Support groups that provide individuals with opportunities for accountability, peer support, recovery-focused relationships, and a sense of community. These groups can assist individuals in building positive connections and maintaining recovery goals.

Arkansas Peer Support Services – Connecting individuals with trained peer support specialists who have lived experience and can provide encouragement, advocacy, guidance, and shared understanding. Peer support can assist individuals with identifying goals, building confidence, accessing resources, and increasing independence.

Celebrate Recovery – A faith-based recovery program designed to help individuals address addiction, unhealthy behaviors, emotional challenges, grief, and life struggles through peer support, accountability, and spiritual growth. Celebrate Recovery provides opportunities to build positive relationships, develop coping strategies, and connect with a supportive community.

Grief Share – A support resource for individuals experiencing loss, allowing them to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges while developing healthy coping strategies and emotional support.

Faith-Based and Community Connections

Faith-Based Programs – Churches, ministries, and spiritual communities can provide social connections, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, activities, and a sense of belonging.

Churches and Community Groups – Local organizations often provide meals, social gatherings, community events, volunteer opportunities, and opportunities for individuals to develop friendships and natural supports.

Volunteer Opportunities – Helping individuals discover purpose, develop skills, and increase community involvement through volunteering at animal shelters, food pantries, churches, community events, libraries, and local organizations.

Employment, Education, and Independence

Adult Developmental Day Treatment (ADDT) / Day Treatment – Providing individuals with structured daily activities focused on skill development, socialization, communication, adaptive skills, vocational preparation, independence, and meaningful community participation. Day treatment can assist individuals in maintaining and improving skills while engaging in purposeful activities.

Supported Employment Services – Assisting individuals with exploring career interests, developing workplace skills, obtaining employment, and maintaining meaningful jobs within their community through vocational supports and job coaching.

Benchmark Services – Providing individualized supports that promote stability, independence, and success within the home and community environment. Benchmark assists iby providing structure, skill development, and resources that help maintain stability, prevent unnecessary disruptions, and support continued community living.

Adult Education and Community College Programs – Supporting individuals who want to continue learning through GED programs, workforce development, life skills classes, technology courses, or personal enrichment opportunities.

Food Assistance Programs (SNAP/Food Assistance) – Helping individuals access available resources that promote financial stability and independence.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – Assisting individuals in understanding and maintaining benefits that support their ability to live independently.

Health, Wellness, and Personal Growth

Adventure Therapy – Encouraging participation in outdoor activities, challenges, and experiences that promote confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, emotional regulation, and personal growth.

Behavioral Health Counseling – Connecting individuals with licensed professionals who can provide support related to emotional regulation, coping skills, trauma, relationships, anxiety, and other behavioral health needs.

ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) – Providing evidence-based strategies to help individuals develop skills, improve communication, increase independence, and reduce challenging behaviors. ABA therapy focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviors and teaching positive replacement skills that support success in the home, community, and daily life.

Occupational Therapy (OT) – Helping individuals increase independence with daily living skills, sensory regulation, safety awareness, problem-solving, and completing tasks within the home and community.

Fitness and Wellness Programs – Supporting individuals in developing healthy lifestyles through exercise programs, gyms, nutrition education, and wellness activities.

YMCA Memberships – Providing access to fitness programs, swimming, group activities, sports, and community events that promote physical health, social interaction, and independence.

Recreation, Socialization, and Community Inclusion

Special Olympics – Encouraging participation in adaptive sports programs that build confidence, teamwork, friendships, and community involvement.

Library Programs – Utilizing libraries for educational classes, computer access, book clubs, social events, crafts, community meetings, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Parks and Recreation Programs – Connecting individuals with community activities such as sports, walking groups, arts and crafts, community events, and seasonal activities.

Local Hobby Groups – Encouraging individuals to explore personal interests such as art, music, gardening, cooking, gaming, photography, woodworking, and other activities that promote confidence and social connections.

Community Events and Activities – Encouraging participation in fairs, festivals, concerts, museums, sporting events, and other community experiences that promote inclusion and social engagement.

Relationships and Social Development

Social and Relationship Development – Supporting individuals in developing friendships, practicing appropriate social skills, and exploring healthy relationships. This may include resources such as Dateability, a dating platform designed to help individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses create meaningful connections.

Disability Advocacy and Self-Advocacy Groups – Helping individuals understand their rights, communicate their needs, make informed choices, and develop confidence in advocating for themselves.

Transportation and Community Access

Transportation and Mobility Resources – Helping individuals learn available transportation options and develop independence in accessing their community, appointments, employment, and activities.

Additional Supports

Autism and Developmental Disability Resources – Connecting individuals and families with education, advocacy, resources, and community supports designed to promote independence and quality of life.

Animal-Assisted Activities / Pet Therapy – Providing opportunities for individuals to improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, build responsibility, and develop positive social connections through interaction with animals.

Jon Brasher
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