The HAVEN
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Mission Statement
The Haven exists as a resource for independence and champion for inclusion in all aspects of life for people with disabilities. We envision a world where people with disabilities are included and valued members of society.
About This Cause
In existence for 62 years - and located on 32 pristine acres in the heart of Sarasota, The Haven has developed into a multidisciplinary enclave serving 800 people with disabilities annually. Over 700 of them currently receive daily services. They have a wide variety of disabilities and are of all ages, from infant to old age. The Haven serves people with disabilities through Five Essential Programs: Selby Preschool, Haven Academy, Transitions, Adult Employment and Residential Services. Each Program is designed to support another, lending a continuity of developmental progression as needed toward further independence and fulfillment. Selby Preschool The Selby Preschool is an early intervention and school readiness program that serves children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The educational classrooms are inclusive, meaning that typically developing children and children with disabilities are taught together in the same setting. There is an abundance of data to support that inclusive learning environments are beneficial for children with disabilities, as well as those without disabilities. Disabilities being served include Developmental Delays, Autism, Language Impaired, Visually Impaired, Orthopedically Impaired, Down Syndrome, behavioral disorders, sensory disorders, and many other health concerns such as heart conditions and medically fragile. The school also serves children in protective custody and in foster care. Of the children with disabilities, over three quarters have more than one diagnosed disability, with some having 4 or more. The purpose of the program is to provide early intervention, education, and therapies to children with exceptional needs for school readiness. In addition to classroom academics and skills, students receive therapy daily to address the needs of the students at a very early age. The percentage of students receiving therapies are: Speech Therapy 58%, Occupational Therapy 56%, Physical Therapy 42%, Behavior Therapy 33%, and 61% receive multiple therapies. Selby Preschool not only educates the children but the entire family. Parents consult with the school staff and Program Coordinator on a regular basis. These consultations include educating the families on how to implement developmental activities into their home routines. Studies show that interventions that are implemented across multiple environments have a much higher success rate than those that are only implemented in one setting. With a large number of the children from low-economic families, this is especially important as the families may not have the knowledge of these practices or the resources to learn about them without the program. Haven Academy Haven Academy, a Private McKay Scholarship School was established in July 2013 to serve students with disabilities in grades 9-12. The vocational-based high school program is located in a 4,000 square foot re-purposed building which is now home to state-of-the-art classrooms and a new computer lab. Students also have access to an adjoining outdoor Athletic Quad Facility with shade canopy for basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard and other recreational activities. Other benefits include low student to teacher ratios, scheduled community outings and hands-on learning. Haven Academy is co-located with the Transitions program so all the students benefit. These students are already benefiting from activities with the Transitions teens, and some earn Transitions internships. A relatively new program, Haven Academy has already shown some clear advantages over similar programs for disabled teens. Teens are integrated into Transitions activities and have access to learning about Haven Industries careers. They have their own athletic facilities, including The Haven’s jogging track. Teens at Haven Acacemyl are exposed to their peers at other schools during Transitions field trips. They encounter other people with disabilities who are pursuing careers of interest, providing them with an atmosphere that is both relaxed and stimulating. Transitions Transitions has grown to serve more than 400 high school students, ages 14-22, who have Individual Education Plans or 504A Plans due to one or more special needs. Their challenges include a full range of cognitive and physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, and multiple disabilities. Many have faced poverty, abuse and neglect at home and/or bullying and harassment at school and need help with self-esteem and social interaction. The goal of the program is to establish and implement either a School-to-Career or a School-to-Post-Secondary education plan for each student’s needs. Transitions is a year-round program serving the child throughout his/her high school term (be it four years or more). Transitions consists of two tracks: Work Trek (WT) and High School/High Tech (HSHT). Work Trek offers a school-to-career curriculum that provides teens the skills required to enter the workplace upon graduation. The curriculum includes training in social, functional and employment skills; personal goal setting skills; volunteer work experience within the community; exposure to career options through behind-the-scenes and job shadowing; and academic tutorial. Transitions is the regional provider of High School/HighTech (HS/HT), a national program dedicated to encouraging teens with disabilities to explore careers in science, technology, engineering or math. HS/HT offers students field trips to science and technology related businesses and attractions, SAT tutoring, and on-the-job experiences. 77% of Transitions students qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch. This places 75% of the students into the Federal Poverty Level. Education levels being a large predictor of income, this is a necessary program to this large group of students that are at risk. Adult Employment The Haven provides employment programs for adults with disabilities that lead to a selection of employment opportunities in our Haven Industries program and/or a successful transition into community based employment. Haven Industries The focus of Haven Industries is to provide participants with vocational training, paid work experiences, skills in time management, commuting to work and team-work. Employment options include landscaping services, culinary arts, assembly and packaging work for local businesses, commercial cleaning and retail positions in the Upscale Resale shop. Following training, clients earn paychecks for their work, which reinforces their self-esteem and motivates them to maximize their skills. They supplement their incomes and feel a sense of pride at contributing to their families and community. 100% of Haven Industries clients engage in activities of their choice, with classroom training leading to practical application in work opportunities. Computer training, socialization opportunities, access to fitness equipment and recreation courts are provided so that clients have a well-rounded, daily experience. Every participant receives hands on training in different vocational programs. The Haven has an ever-increasing group of business partners employing its workers, with additional contract opportunities on the horizon as a new Haven Industries building will offer additional space for training and working. Over 90% of Haven Industries participants complete training and go on to earn the first paycheck of their adult lives, develop social connections and gain a sense of independence. Community Employment Services (CES) The Haven also offers a “one-stop employment program” for clients seeking to work independently for local employers. Community Employment Services staff assist with all aspects of job search and application, finding appropriate matches, and providing follow-up support. 100% of individuals seeking community employment services (CES) complete a job development plan and a sample job application. They remain active clients until such time as they find employment. CES also provides long term follow-up to people with developmental disabilities after successful employment in the community. Residential Services Residential Services is a residential program for adults, 18 and older, with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Haven's Group Homes currently provide supported living services for 40 adults, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This number will shortly begin to increase as new group homes are added. The most recent, Marlene’s House features single occupancy rooms and a co-ed atmosphere, simulating normal family dynamics. Residents prepare and enjoy meals together, go on outings with their housemates and truly become like family to each other. This model has proven to be extremely successful and will be employed in future homes on campus. There are five homes built to date, with a master plan for a total of nine and a larger “Aging in Place” senior center. Services emphasize self-direction, encouraging confidence and the ability to advocate for one’s self. Training is tailored to the individual and teaches skills that maximize independence, physical fitness and safety. Just as any typical adult, the residents are involved in sports, churches, clubs, community events, social events, and any other outing or activity that may interest them. Staff provides transportation to these events and supervision for the duration. Each resident is provided with Personal Plans, developed by the individual with assistance from staff. Mentoring is provided in all areas to ensure residents have full, rewarding lives and are contributing members of the community. Nearly all residents are employed by Haven Industries in the field of their choice, and are active in a variety of clubs and social events. Our residents are fortunate to be involved in community theatre, baseball, Special Olympics, group vacations, and many other activities both on campus and off. The long-term development plan envisions a senior center for “Aging in Place” facility on-campus. The need for adults with disabilities to age in place is rapidly growing as longevity increases through better healthcare and life fulfillment