We were the first provider of Individualized Supported Living in southern Missouri. We had the pleasure of supporting people who had previously lived in either institutional placements or who were still at home with their families find and move into their own homes.

We still offer in-home supports to many of the same people we began serving in the early 90’s as they have become valued members of their communities. We support people to build and practice skills in their own homes in the following areas:
• Health and safety
• Household skills
• Social Skills
• Community Participation
• Self-advocacy
• Leisure skills and development of personal interests
• Hiring and evaluating their support staff
• Our sister division, A.O. Employment Services, is available in most areas to support people in developing jobs.

We also provide:
• 24 hour on-call availability
• Safety assessments
• Medication support
• Case management
• Positive behavior support
• Liaison with community resources
• Writing personal plans

“Empowering People; Building Communities”

Our last CARF survey stated:
“Creative use of staff hours and staff organization within the supported living program provides a seamless network of support. Direct Care staff members, primary staff members and Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals work as a team.”

“The organization goes to great lengths to ensure that individuals select their direct support staff members. A person can request a change at any time, and the individual’s requests are consistently honored.”

“Excellent documentation includes information that allows the reader to know and understand the person. The resulting plans and the “getting to know” the person are tools that are individualized and specific and truly look at how the person served can have the life he or she wants. The employees supporting the individuals know the persons well and have strong and positive relationships with them.”

“The organization emphasizes the dignity of individuals as evidenced in the personalized settings and possessions.”

CARF, an independent, nonprofit organization, reviews and grants accreditation services nationally and internationally on request of a facility or program.

Goals achieved by people receiving ISL services last year as measured in our Outcome Management Program:

• 92% of people served were active participants in their community • 92% of people served have positive relationships with people who are not paid providers • 93% of people served advocate for themselves • 100% of responsible choices of individuals are respected and supported

Additionally:
• 100% of individuals are satisfied with their services
• 96% of parents and guardians are satisfied with services
• 98% of funding source representatives are satisfied with services
• 95% of staff surveyed were satisfied with their jobs.