Programs and Services

The following programs and services enable the individuals we serve to work and live in the community as independently as possible.

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM:

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, who choose to live in their own homes in Allegany County or who continue to live in their families' homes sometimes require encouraging support. Individuals can receive assistance with grocery shopping, paying bills, mastering public transportation, enjoying recreation and leisure activities, doctor appointments, locating housing, and obtaining funding for environmental modifications to accommodate their disabilities.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES: Our Residential Services provide a safe, comfortable, and attractive living environment for intellectually disabled adults. We offer Group Homes that accommodate four to six people and Alternative Living Units that provide for two to three Individuals. Thirteen unique homes are located throughout Allegany County.

RESPITE SERVICES: Our Respite Services provide temporary care to an individual in their home or in one of our homes with respite facilities. The service is meant to provide planned or emergency care for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Contact rkerr@friendsaware.org for more details or information regarding our Residential Offerings.

PROGRAMS LOCATED AT THE FRIENDS AWARE LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER:

VOCATIONAL SERVICES: Specializes in subcontract work while providing sheltered, paid employment to our Individuals. We proudly serve more than 75 businesses in the tri-state area by providing the following innovative services:

• Bulk mailing preparation from start to finish, including pick-up and delivery, to all types of businesses.
• On-site temporary labor forces.
• Prime manufacturing of survey stakes and a complete line of geotextile products.
• Production of handmade crafts such as durable doormats and woodcrafts.
• Cultivation of flowering plants and culinary herbs. If you are interested in saving your business time and money, phone 301-722-7268 ext. 116 or msmith@friendsaware.org for more details.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Our unique Supported Employment Program places individuals in productive, entry-level jobs in and around Allegany County where they are paid employees. We pride ourselves in having specialized job coaches. These trained support staff are provided at no cost to participating businesses for as long as needed. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this virtually untapped resource. Please phone 301-722-7268 ext. 116 or msmith@friendsaware.org for more details.

TRAINING CENTER: The Training Center emphasizes daily living and pre-vocational skills. Each individual's training needs are assessed and personalized plans are developed based on each person's strengths, abilities and preferences. The program operates Monday -Friday from 9a.m. to 3p.m. A nutritious lunch is provided daily. Also, door to door transportation services are provided.

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation Services operates over 20 vehicles, 5 days a week, providing door to door transportation for all those receiving supports in programs at Friends Aware Inc. Our specially equipped vans and buses are maintained to meet various physical needs. In addition to trained drivers, aides also accompany all vehicles to ensure the safety and well-being of the passengers.

For more information about services offered to individuals contact the Developmental Disabilities Administration of Maryland.

  Artwork reprinted by permission of Martha Perske   from PERSKE: PENCIL PORTRAITS 1971-1990   (NASHVILLE: ABINGDON PRESS, 1998).