Center for Independent Futures (CIF) Presentation                  

Come learn how CIF, a 501 c(3) nonprofit adapted housing policies and practices proven in Canada and other states to create new solutions for housing and day programs for adults with disabilities. Over the course of the organization's development, the CIF created three Community Living options (CLO) residences - these residences were created in conjunction with other families, and rely on minimal to no state funds. The CIF's proprietary method, which led to the creation of the CLO housing model, has evolved from the CIF's own experiences, as well as collaboration with leaders in the field of community development.

CIF has received a grant, called the New Futures Initiative, which allows the CIF to train others in different states; this training is intended to help families open doors to community-based supported living options within one’s own neighborhood. The training is a year-long process that takes participants through a series of four workshops. These workshops are designed to help interested groups replicate CIF’s housing model, a process that has been proven successful. The workshops will provide the necessary tools, materials and
professional resources while instilling the confidence to move forward. As part of this initiative, CIF also provides onsite consultation, offering the support needed to ensure that the process is sustainable and successful. Essentially, the New Futures Initiative provides a road map to help guide families on their path
toward solutions for adults with disabilities.

M&L Special Needs Planning is bringing Jane Doyle, CIF co-founder, and Ann Sickon, the organization’s Executive Director, to Washington, D.C. to explain in detail what the New Future initiative is all about, and how it can be implemented in Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland. 

The cost for the presentation is $35.00 per person until 8/28/13. After 8/28/13, the rate is $40.00 per person. At the door it will be $45.00 per person. Please register early. The doors open at 9:00am with the presentation beginning at 9:30am. The presentation will be approximately two hours long, and there will be enough time afterwards for questions. We hope to see you there.

Some of you asked for examples of how CIF is able to create
housing options with no to minimal state funds. This is what came back from
Jane Doyle, Executive Director of CIF:

“In regards to your request for examples, in our experience,
to give specifics really leads to more questions because it narrows the picture
too much. That is why Ann and I will be presenting in October...to answer those
questions. However, to set the stage, there have been a couple of articles that
give a picture of those options. They are by David Wetherow, who has been in
the field and is a parent in Canada. It gives great foundational thinking about
the process and what we are trying to accomplish in our housing efforts. Please
pass along the articles as an example of our vision.”

http://www.communityworks.info/articles/4bed.htm

http://www.communityworks.info/articles/breathing_lessons.htm

PLEASE TRY AND COME TO THIS PRESENTATION. WE ALL NEED HELP
UNDERSTANDING HOW TO CREATE HOUSING FOR OUR LOVED ONES. PRESENTLY THERE MAY OR MAY NOT BE OPTIONS IN MARYLAND, VIRGINIA AND WASHINGTON DC, BUT THERE ARE WAITING LISTS AND THE INDIVIDUAL WITH DISABILITES MAY NOT QUALIFY. THIS MODEL IS WORKING FOR SOME – IT MAY WORK FOR YOUR FAMILY MEMBER.

www.specialneedsplanning.net

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