For the first time in South Dakota, Goodwill of the Great Plains is introducing day services for developmentally disabled community members.
Staff say the programming offers socialization, life skills, and a chance to earn money.
Bridget Solomon is president/CEO for Goodwill of the Great Plains. She said the effort is further supported by the Medicaid choices waiver program.
"It builds independence, it makes an individual feel a part of their community – the goal is really community integration," Solomon said. "To make sure they’re having these dynamic and fun experiences just like you and I do. Taking in the sights and activities that happen right around them. We know the Rapid City area is growing, so that means more individuals that might have needs that aren’t being met, or they want to engage in their community in new ways.”
Though it goes beyond lifestyle support. Shawn Fick is vice president of mission advancement for this Goodwill branch.
“Up to this point we’d been able to do assistance with job training to figure out where people are at, if they’re ready for employment, or what skills and abilities they have so we can get them into positions where they can make money," Fick said. "Integrated day services is an opportunity for folks who may still want to work, but they also want to be involved in the community.”
He adds the program can foster independence for participants.
“In the '70s, people were still institutionalized in our country," Fick said. "It still happened, you put them in a place, and you never left there. Now, with settings rules and habilitation rules, you’re part of a community. You get to be out, and it doesn’t matter your challenge, whether it’s intellectual or physical, you still get to be out in the community and doing things just like everybody else does.”
To get involved, there are dedicated staff members and a referral process that can be started at the Rapid City Lindbergh Goodwill.