Community Living Services

All additional HOPE programs — beyond Employment & Job Training, Children's Services, Community / Site Based Adult Day Programs and Senior Services — fall under the umbrella of Community Living Services. The goal of these programs is to further the ability of people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible.

These services are available to adults 18 and older who are regional center clients living in one of the geographic locations served by HOPE. Community Living Services operates two programs: the Supported Living Program and the Independent Living Skills Program.

• Supported Living Program (SLS) — People in HOPE's SLS program are supported in living arrangements that are typical for persons without disabilities, such as apartments, condo's and houses. Control over their own living arrangements include being the leaseholder or owner, and all living decisions are based on individual needs and wants. Support is provided to ensure participants are successful in their daily living activities, such as paying bills, furnishing their home, accessing the community, and interacting with other agencies. Emergency support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Independent Living Skills Program (ILS) — The goal of the ILS program is to provide training to individuals who currently, or are planning to, live in an unsupervised residence. We start with a comprehensive assessment of the individual's independent living skills and then create a plan to strengthen his or her ability to live successfully in an independent environment. Training areas may include financial management, health and safety needs, mobility training, personal and social skills, recreation and leisure skills, and accessing community resources. Services are provided until the individual's goals are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who provides the services?

   Community Living Services employs ILS trainers to provide one-on-one direct services to individuals. Staff members are trained by HOPE Services to perform all related job duties. Our trainers are experienced, open, and sensitive to meeting the needs of people with disabilities. They're able to ascertain the needs of a person with disabilities and recommend services that benefit and enhance the quality and life of that individual, as well as being knowledgeable about how to access community services. We match trainers with participants based on compatibility — participants get to choose who works with them. Background screening is performed on all employees.

   SLS employs support specialists (case managers), companions (direct care daytime staff) and roommates (direct care overnight staff).

2. What accommodations are available?

   Our facilities and programs follow Americans With Disabilities guidelines for accessibility to ensure full inclusion of all people who use our services and participate in our programs. All efforts are made to accommodate individual's physical, personal care, communication, and behavior support needs.

3. How can I enroll in one of these programs?

   If you receive services through a regional center, such as San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) or Golden Gate Regional Center, and want to participate in Community Living Services, you should speak with a Service Coordinator (Worker, Social Worker) who can authorize HOPE to provide services to you or your family member.

4. Where are HOPE's Community Living Services offered?

   Our SLS and ILS programs are offered in Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

5. How can I get more information on your Community Living Services?

   For more information, please contact the individual who covers your service area.

   Santa Clara County
   Carly Wells
   Phone: (650) 934-0335 x433

   Santa Cruz County
   Erika Anderson
   Phone: (831) 600-1509

   Gilroy & Hollister
   Anita Haag
   Phone: (408) 846-6908
   

   Monterey County
   Margaret Berlanga
   Phone: (831) 455-4948
   

   Director
   Linda Siino
   Phone: (408) 761-5931