Places to Go

Parents and Friends is thrilled to announce the inception of Places to Go! a leisure time facilitation service designed to assist people with developmental disabilities enrich their lives by cultivating places to go, things to do and people to meet out in the community at large.

While the program will share an office with Coastal Support Services, it will be a center-less program based completely in the community. Unlike an activity program, it will not have program designed events, functions or activities, but will be individually designed to meet a consumer’s specified interests and choices.

Consumers will be provided with training, information and support that allows them to explore the pleasure and benefits of developing leisure time activities, and the opportunity to explore different activities in order to make educated choices. Staff will be hired to assist a consumer to take advantage of and create opportunities that are in line with his or her interests and goals, and that the consumer is ready and willing to try. The near goal is to support consumers in experiencing new things and to provide the opportunity for growth through self-expression. More importantly, consumers will have the opportunity to learn more about themselves, while developing natural friendships outside of work or outside of a supported environment. The ultimate goal is community integration and the cultivation of natural supports in the community at large.

Participation in Places to Go will be made by referrals from the Transitional Learning Center, the Redwood Coast Regional Center or PFI. The consumer must have a desire to explore or pursue his/her interests in the community through involvement in activities offered in the community.

Places to Go! will publish a monthly newsletter with a weekly updated supplement listing local community and civic events, special interest and service clubs and groups to be distributed to participating consumers.

For more information, contact program manager, Iris Landsberg at 707-964-8540.