Adult Residential Services

Adult Day Services

Organizational Employment

 

Adult Residential Services

Community Living
The freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is a basic right to us all. And, it is this basic principle which rests at the core of our community living program. Our clients have access to a traditional home environment that is best aligned with their needs and preferences. Within our local county, we provide 24-hour Supervised Living and two levels of Supported Independent Living for those individuals who are in need, who desire and are eligible for community living assistance. Big Lakes Level II Supported Independent Living services are also available to residents of Clay Center, Kansas, as well.

The ultimate goal of the community living program is heightened self-sufficiency to the fullest extent possible. For some, the goal may be total independent living while for others it may be moving from an institutional setting into 24-hour supervised living in a Big Lakes community-based group home.

Big Lakes currently provides a variety of community living alternatives based on individual needs and choices. Growth opportunities for community living are continually evaluated. Individuals from (or who originate from) our 4-county service area receive priority for Big Lakes Community Living Services. If space is not presently available, individuals can be placed on a waiting list for future openings. Program participants must be 16 years of age and must meet other admission criteria.

Adult Day Services
for Life Enrichment

Personal and Social Community Services
Our staff realize that life's potential lies not only in practicing work skills and daily living tasks, but also in the joy of knowing friendship, encouragement and acceptance. From the more clinical aspects such as maximizing communication and cognitive abilities to the simple pleasure derived from going on a recreational outing, Personal and Social Community Services at Big Lakes are committed to leading the individual toward realization of their preferred lifestyle.

Personal and Social Community Services are provided for adults (age 16 and older) on-site at both our Manhattan and Clay Center facilities. Staff attend to individuals with gentleness and respect. Services are provided from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Certain admission criteria apply.

Retirement Services
Those 55 and older, or whose health concerns suggest partial or full retirement, may decide to become a part of our retirement group. Retirement Services at Big Lakes offer consumers an opportunity to access community services and resources, and most importantly, enjoy time with others.

Organizational Employment
Adult Work Services/Training

Our adult training centers in Manhattan and Clay Center provide work opportunities for Big Lakes clients. Some of these services are performed at our Big Lakes campus while others are performed by enclaves and work crews out in the community. Ironically, organizational employment adheres to the ultimate goal of terminating participants from the program as they obtain competitive employment in the community at-large. Individually assigned case managers work with the individual and members of their support network, who together strive to develop a plan for reaching employment goals while addressing the informed choices and desires of the person.

Individuals who participate in organizational employment services are placed on the Big Lakes payroll and paid for the services they provide. Whether as a member of our in-house spool assembly crew or as part of a housekeeping enclave which travels outside our campus, individuals receive skills training along with an earned income. Further, thoughtfully administered, ongoing support is provided to maintain and challenge abilities.

Many outside businesses contract with Big Lakes Organizational Employment Services to prepare direct mailings, perform assembly work, or provide janitorial services. New opportunities for organizational employment services are continually being explored.

Our service hours are from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Certain admission criteria apply.