Ready For Life Skill Building

Life Skills

This program is designed to enrich the lives of adults with disabilities by helping them gain proficiency in skills related to safety, recreation, relationships, socialization, leadership, community integration and independent living skills. RFL staff assist each individual in maintaining and increasing their independence by focusing on the goals stated in their Person-Centered Plan. Teaching and coaching take place in a group setting both in the community and at our service location. This unique combination of settings enables us to serve individuals with a variety of developmental diagnoses.

Life Skills may include, but is not limited to, the following activities:

    • Gardening
    • Attending community events/activities
    • Shopping
    • Volunteering
    • Attending local sporting events
    • Cooking and baking
    • Exercise
    • Vocational experiences

    Life Skills Brochure

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    Work Skills

    Work Skills is a transitional program designed to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities with vocational, safety, and community living training, all in a community workforce or volunteer setting. This program is geared toward individuals who want to make progress in the areas of economic self-sufficiency and independence, but who are not quite ready to be competitively employed. The community serves as a classroom as participants serve and learn in a variety of volunteer and work sites while also working with our staff in the areas of resume preparation, job exploration, filling out applications, and interview training.

    Work Skills Brochure

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    Supported Employment

    Supported Employment (SE) serve three clients and one staff member each day.  Clients in the program have the opportunity to have paid employment at Revolution Farms for 4 hours a day either 2 or 3 days a week with the support of an RFL staff member for transportation, workplace concerns and soft skill development before and after working hours.  Each client in the program has daily goals based on his or her Person-Centered Plan that are monitored and supported by staff.

    Supported Employment Brochure

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    Fast Facts

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    Life SkillsWork SkillsSupported Employment
    AgeAge 26Age 26 and up who can work semi-independentlyAge 26 and up who can work semi-independently
    CalendarYear-round serviceYear-round serviceYear-round service
    ScheduleWeekday schedule based on individual’s needsWeekday schedule based on individual’s needsWeekday schedule based on individual’s needs
    Length of programIndefinite2-year program4-6 months
    Program ComponentsA minimum of 2 hours in the community each day2-3 hours of training/assistance & 2-3 hours of job exploration each day2 hours of soft skill development & 4 hours employment each day
    TransportationRFL provides door-to-door transportation within the boundaries covered by the Rapids Go Bus and Hope NetworkRFL provides door-to-door transportation within the boundaries covered by the Rapdis Go Bus and Hope NetworkRFL provides door-to-door transportation within the boundaries covered by the Rapids Go Bus and Hope Network
    LocationSoutheast Grand RapidsSoutheast Grand RapidsSoutheast Grand Rapids
    HoursMonday through Friday,
    9 am – 3 pm
    Monday through Friday,
    9 am – 3 pm
    Monday through Friday,
    9 am – 3 pm
    Client/Staff RatioStrive to maintain a ratio of not more than 5:1Strive to maintain a ratio of not more than 5:1Strive to maintain a ratio of not more than 3:1

    Ready to Apply?

    If you are interested in applying to the Skill Building program, please complete the application and submit it with a copy of the applicant’s most recent plan of service and social work assessment via email: [email protected] or fax: 616-419-4152.

    Work Skills Partners

    B2 Outlet Stores

    Support Employment Partner

    Life Skills Partners

    Air Components, Inc.
    Fish Window Cleaning
    Grace's Table

    Activity Partners

    YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
    Frederik Meijer Gardens
    Grand Rapids Public Museum