Connections For Life (CFL)

For people with developmental disabilities, achieving a dream—whether joining a civic club, volunteering in the community or finding a job—is as simple as someone being willing to help connect them with the community.

Connections For Life (CFL) supports individuals with disabilities in forming long-term relationships in the community. It is based on the belief that individuals with disabilities have the right to be full-fledged members of their community and should have maximum control over their own lives. Individuals in the Adult Day Program who have enhanced their daily living skills and are ready to become more involved in the community can utilize CFL’s services.

Connections For Life is a
community-based program which matches adults with developmental disabilities to their chosen volunteer, social, educational, and recreational interests. Individuals in the program actively explore opportunities in the community, enhance their quality of life with increased social interaction, develop new friendships and make considerable contributions to the community through volunteering.

Connections For Life participants build self-worth and confidence, gain communication skills and work experience, while mastering social skills to help them in the community. Individuals in the program volunteer at over 90 non-profit agencies such as soup kitchens, food banks, universities and other locations. This program is a unique, unduplicated program which offers individuals meaningful opportunities for community interaction at no cost to the participant.

How it Works
Through person-centered planning, self determination and one-to-one support ratios, Connections For Life provides the supports necessary for individuals with developmental disabilities to take part in all aspects of community life.

Initially, a CFL staff member helps the participant identify his or her talents, gifts, goals and dreams. Specific information gathered about the individual ensures that the path that is chosen to become an active, contributing member in the community is successful.

As the individual identifies and sets his or her goals, the staff member helps locate the appropriate partnership or community organization that best fits the individual’s interests. The staff member ensures all parties are comfortable with the expectations and goals, as well as provides additional support in other aspects of community and social life. If the experience isn’t mutually beneficial, another connection is sought. Gradually the staff member will step back, enabling the individual to ultimately achieve his or her own success.

If you know of an opportunity that would be a good CFL match, please call Carmen Embrey at (812) 428-4500 or visit our Contact Us page for a staff listing.