To celebrate our birthday of 32 years this month, we would like to dedicate this article to the late Mac'ie Patterson.
Mac'ie was a true friend to the people at ILS for over 30 years. Mac'ie's contributions to ILS were recognized in 1984 when the ladies' group home on Tyler Street was named "Patterson House." Mac'ie was kind, gentle and giving to all. She is missed.
To be needed
In other human lives Ð
Is there anything greater
Or more beautiful
In this world!
David Grayson
Although Independent Living Services has changed throughout our 32 years to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities, our focus on people and their families has remained the same. We strive to provide services in an atmosphere of dignity and respect as people work toward reaching their life goals while living in the community.
We've come a long way from one group home for eight men 32 years ago. Today ILS provides services in the community to over 120 people with disabilities.
Residential Programs
Our residential programs include a 10-bed intermediate care facility, three group homes, 17 apartments and four community homes. Seventeen additional apartments are under construction in Greenbrier and will be completed soon.
Whether a consumer chooses apartment living, community living or group home living, a safe, healthy and loving home is there at the end of each day. The type and number of supports needed to guarantee success is available for each resident.
Day Program
The adult day program, Profiles, opened six years ago with 10 participants and two volunteer staff members. Today over 60 people attend the program with nine full-time employees and two contract therapists.
Our progressive programs include a quiet room, daily exercise at the McGee Center, an art program, a music program and daily living skill classes. We are developing special classes for people with high sensory needs and for people who are becoming senior citizens.
Physical, occupational and speech therapy are also offered at Profiles.
Other Programs
In addition to the residential and day programs, ILS offers case management, nursing, personal care, financial management, transportation, follow along and friendship. ILS recognizes that each person has different needs at different times.
Flexible, unique services are required to help make each person successful.
As we blow out the candles, our birthday wish is that we continue to have friends like Mac'ie Patterson, and the many other people and organizations, who volunteer at ILS.
Thanks to all of you, we'll continue to celebrate independence every day! If you would like to help us celebrate independence every day, please volunteer. For volunteer opportunities, call 327-5234, 327-5883, or 329-8249.
