Many people with lifelong developmental disabilities who live in group residences do not have the ability to go out for their own recreation without being accompanied by a paid staff member. A Healthy City Fall River micro-grant has enabled a small number of these individuals served by People, Inc. to have the one-on-one support they need to get out to engage in their favorite activities. Whether its going for a walk, going to a park or going out to their favorite restaurant for a bite to eat, the Recreation and Leisure Services Program pays for the one-on-one staff time to enable them to participate. The hour or two they have is just for them and gives each participant the chance to do what others without disabilities do all of the time to stay healthy. People, Inc. operates the only program serving the Greater Fall River area that provides inclusive opportunities in the evenings and weekends to adults with developmental challenges. Funded in large part by the United Way of Greater Fall River, the program also is funded by the Department of Mental Retardation, consumer fees and grants.
 

(Top row) Maggie Kennedy goes for an outing accompanied by staff member Crystal Charest. Maggie enjoys the chance to direct where she is going to go without having to always go along with the other residents in her home. (Middle row, left) Charlie Finucci tells People, Inc. Recreation and Leisure Services Program Director Donna Payer that he would like to go out to a restaurant to get a cup of chowder. (Middle row, right) Staff member Megan Mulligan asks Charlie which restaurant he prefers. (Bottom row) Charlie orders a cup of his favorite chowder and a diet root beer. He makes a point of staying trim and in good shape despite his senior citizen status. He keeps active by working at program run by Community Connections near the Harbor Mall.