Customized Options Nonprofit

Highlights of 2022who we served:the 2022 year was exciting, with the return to in-person groups and more staff and individuals served returning to work. We employed 34 employees and 31 individuals served for a one-to-one ratio. We served those with a dd waiver through our 245 d licensure in the following categories: in home family supports both with and without training, respite care, homemaker services, and over night supervision. Training and support was provided to direct support staff to ensure those they served with neurodiversity, autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other related abilities were served with care and professionalism. Those with communication difficulties, refugees and those from other cultures were served in a larger number this past year. Programming and special accomplishments: lasting and meaningful friendships were developed along with learning new skills and exploring areas of personal interest. The ideas for each group activity came from the individuals served who shared their ideas of things they want to do and learn. Book club:learned a new latin/greek root word each week. Using the latin/greek root words to determine the meaning of a new word made many participants feel proud. They all worked together and divided into the following two groups: phonics group used manipulatives to practice sounding out words as well as worksheets and reading books. Chapter books- explored new vocabulary words and topics of their interest. Participants ended the 2022 year knowing on an average over a dozen new words that become part of their reading and speaking vocabulary. Hobbies/interest:trying out new crafts and hobbies was the focus of this group. Iris paper folding was a favorite. A unit on learning to use power tools, hammers and pliers taught participants how to create art from bottle caps and so much more. During sewing with sharon, everyone learned to sew simple stitches by hand but also how to use the sewing machine. Music in the park took place during the summer months where individuals learned to play jingle bells for the holiday party concert as well as many other songs. All were able to find middle c and d, e, and f. such a fantastic accomplishment! Friday fun day was as popular as ever with parties, tours, hiking, fishing, boating, hayrides, games, art classes, etc. Online group was available for those who felt safer meeting online. The group shared with each other what they had been doing each week. A topic of interest was chosen and everyone shared ideas and learned from the new topic. Lastly, they worked together online to complete craft projects. Grab-n-go bags we available again this year for individuals served, families and staff to pick up in the office entry with activities to do such as crafts, games, learning sheets, cross word puzzles, etc. In addition, staff were provided with materials as they needed to help their person continue to learn, work on fine motor skills and other activities.