The IDEA House knows each individual entering our residential community has potential. This residential approach allows residents to further develop independent living skills for success and understand how to better advocate for themselves.

 

Unlike traditional boarding, IDEA House offers opportunities far beyond a basic “apartment”. Increasing their ability to become independent will improve their self-concept, self-esteem, and overall happiness.

 

Each day, our residents will interact with therapeutic “coaches” who provide guidance, support, and motivation. Too often, residents coming to IDEA House feel like failures. Again and again, they’ve been told they were doing something wrong. Sadly, this constant negative feedback has its effects on their self-esteem and attitudes.

 

We use positive reinforcement to uplift our residents and empower them to take on new challenges. And yes, sometimes our residents have setbacks. This is a normal part of the independence process. Instead of making them feel bad for these struggles, we create learning experiences where they have the ability to grow–even during the tough times.

 

Our life skills and social development groups create real-life experiences to drive progress in their areas of need. Residents are given responsibilities to teach skills and instill the belief that they are a valuable member of the community. As they find success at IDEA House, they learn how they can transfer skills beyond our House and into other aspects of their daily lives and futures of independence.

 

We provide a wide range or recreation and physical education activities to promote health and positive habits for a fulfilling leisure lifestyle. Too often, residents come to us with  limited interests and a sedentary lifestyle. Our residents learn the value of being active and pursuing interests they may not have been exposed to in previous residential settings. Even more beneficial, during recreational activities residents get a chance to practice coping and social skills in a structured, fun environment.

 

We provide and teach residents principles instead of rules. While our House has rules and expectations like any of the other residential facility, we help our residents learn why certain expectations are in place. Instead of blindly following rules, our residents begin to understand the principles behind the rules so they can transfer these skills in every aspect of their lives.

 

While residing in the IDEA House, residents work on activities that flow into real-life settings. These cognitive enhancement activities not only make learning easier, they have the potential to improve cognitive functioning. Brain and cognitive training activities help with processing information, developing social skills, and making informed decisions about daily life activities.