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Our Mission
To offer adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities opportunities to
achieve greater self-esteem, dignity and participation in all aspects of
community life through affordable housing options, individualized skill
instruction and necessary support services.
In keeping with the above Mission Statement, Resources for Community Living (RCL) offers innovative services to increase the
independence as well as the quality of life of persons with developmental
disabilities (usually mental retardation). These services may include:
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Affordable Housing – Using both the shared housing approach and
independent apartments, helps people with mental retardation to locate and
lease homes and apartments within the community.Because these housing arrangements are not owned by RCL (each
participant signs his/her own lease), participants have greater control over
their own lives.Housing arrangements through RCL are not group-oriented; therefore the stigma which is often
associated with group homes and other congregate living arrangements is
non-existent.In fact, the individual’s new neighbors may not even know that the RCL participant has a
disability.
Homeownership Program – in partnership with Project Ground Floor, eligible participants can become homeowners by receiving
a $35,000 second mortgage that is repaid only after the home is sold.It is entirely forgivable if the owner
lives in the more than 40 years.Homeownership is a dream of many people including those with
disabilities.We believe that in general, homeownership fosters greater connection and mutual investment between
our participant homeowners and their respective communities.
Individualized Support Services – Trained staff members
provide individualized skill instruction and support services that are designed
to increase independence, allowing participants to remain in their
community.These support services may include money management, using public transportation, cooking, nutrition, safety,
case management and other necessary skills.RCL also provides assistance in linking participants with other
community members, resources and activities to help them to become active and
contributing members of their communities.
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Social Group – Loneliness and isolation remain a significant
problem for people with mental retardation, despite their physical presence in
the community.Because of this, RCL also coordinates a monthly social group that provides an opportunity for RCL
participants to meet others and make new friends.These groups also provide an opportunity for staff members to
observe the individual’s social interaction skills, so that skill training
(e.g. how to introduce self, trust, assertiveness, relationships, etc.).Inappropriate areas may be addressed on an
individual basis.In addition, several times each year speakers are asked to present information during social groups
on various subject including safety, recreation and other important issues.
Rent Subsidy – Finally, because many participants lack
sufficient resources to provide for themselves, RCL offers a rent subsidy.These rent subsidies are limited to $150
per month based on the individual’s income and are derived entirely from
donations.Because of this, rent subsidies are not always available and cannot be relied on as a source of
support.Linkage with long-term sources of financial support, including Section8 Rental Assistance, provides a
more stable and reliable future for the individual.
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