A group of concerned parents who were seeking a place in their community that could provide a nurturing home and quality support services for their adult children with developmental disabilities decided in 1979 to take matters into their own hands.
They began enAble of Georgia, a nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities through community living and day and employment services.
“A person with special needs can be enrolled in the public school system until their 22nd birthday. After exiting high school, the supports that we provide gives individuals an option for new opportunities, to learn to live independently, interact socially, seek employment in the community with support and learn daily living skills,” said April Olsen, development manager.
enAble offers residential services within group homes located in typical neighborhoods. These homes consist of no more than five people living together who have similar interests and/or support needs. Trained professionals provide 24-hour support to coach and mentor in all areas of daily living activities such as personal grooming and outward appearance; health and safety; communication and socialization; and home management skills such as meal preparation. Individuals also receive staff supervision and transportation services so that they have regular access to the life of their community and take part in social inclusion opportunities. This may include maintaining employment, attending religious services, taking a class, volunteering, participating in civic-sponsored events and dining out.
enAble also has two day service programs geared toward preparing and assisting individuals to become part of their broader community; and prevocational services are geared toward preparing individuals to join the workforce.
Volunteers have become vital to enAble’s success. “We have many community supporters that offer their time and talents to our organization. Volunteers can help out with landscaping, cleaning and light maintenance to the homes. We also need volunteers for all of our fundraising events throughout the year,” added Olsen.
The organization recently hosted its annual gala raising over $250,000. The funds raised will help maintain the 18 group homes that enAble currently operates and will help bridge the gap between Medicaid funding received by those we serve and the actual costs associated with fully supporting each individual.
Information: enablega.org
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