Our Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program (Z-H ILP) helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible. These group homes provide adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a place where they can learn and grow their independence while also providing their parents with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their children will be cared for throughout their adult lives.
Why is the JF&CS Independent Living Program important?
The Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program provides residents with opportunities for social interactions and helps them to reach their potential to be more independent. For Dale Dyer, parent of a current Z-H ILP resident, socialization and a focus on increased independency were the most important elements that contributed to her choice of JF&CS as the right placement for her daughter, Kelly. “Kelly does do her own laundry with assistance and she does help with meal planning and getting groceries. So, she has more of a voice in what goes on and I think she does feel a sense of pride at what she’s able to do. She loves telling me ‘I washed all my clothes and folded them all up.’ [JF&CS Direct Support Professionals] definitely push her in a direction that was not happening [at her previous personal care home].” Dale Dyer
Many parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities fear that they won't be able to find a place that will be able to adequately meet the needs of their children and take care of them when the parents are no longer able to do so. Bruce Lindemann shared that while his daughter is 100% dependent on Direct Support Professional staff, she has developed an active social life and is able to engage with the community through her residency at JF&CS' Z-H ILP. “There’s no question [about the] quality of Day and Residential Services that JF&CS provides for Carla. The community engagement and knowing that there are [Direct] Support Professionals that are delivering those services gives us some comfort ... we feel that Carla’s not only enjoying her day, but she’s also safe as well.” Bruce Lindemann
According to Sid and Laurie Besmertnik, 10 years ago, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities could stay in high school until they turned 22 years old. Todd's birthday occurred two months before the end of the school year, which left Sid and Laurie with a pressing need to find a transition program that he could start in early March. They wanted to find a program that fostered learning and encouraged growth. Sid and Laurie shared that after 4 or 5 years of searching for the right residential program for Todd, a spot at the JF&CS Z-H ILP opened up and they took it! “I think the most important thing is, between the [Community Access Group], Monday through Friday, and living in the group home with his 3 other roommates, Todd has an interesting life, a valuable life. He’s able to socialize, that he’s able to continue to mature, that he’s able to function much more on his own.” Sid and Laurie Besmertnik