Enhancing Community Living

posted by Bonnie Kipper on Thursday, May 1, 2025

At EPI, we believe life is meant to be lived out loud - in the community, on your terms, and without limits. That belief has always guided our work in Supported Community Living (SCL). As we continued reflecting on best practices, we asked ourselves: how can we do even better?

The answer was clear, we deepen our commitment to person-centered support by helping individuals design their own schedule, in their way. This led to a renewed focus and enhanced approach we now call My Life, My Way.

So, what’s different?
This isn’t a new, standalone service. It’s a stronger, more intentional way of delivering what we’ve always valued - individualized, community-based living.

Historically, traditional day habilitation operated Monday through Friday in facility-based settings. While our SCL services always prioritized community involvement, we knew we could do better. That meant stepping away from facility-based, group models and leaning into real-life integration - offering people the freedom to choose.

This renewed approach is built on the idea that more opportunities lead to experience and personal growth.

Here's how that looks:

• Limitless Choice: People choose what they want to do, when they want to do it, and with whom they want to be with - whether that’s attending a writing class, volunteering at a food pantry, or meeting friends for a Buck's baseball game after the work week. These experiences aren’t limited to the business hours, they happen during the day, evening, and weekends, entirely based on each person’s routine and preferences.
   
• Thousands of Meaningful Moments Each Month: With hundreds of unique activities offered monthly and thousands of individual experiences happening, people are participating in ways that reflect their own interests, goals, and lifestyles - resulting in a truly customized experience. 
   
• Person-Centered: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and integration specialists partner with individuals to explore interests, access the community, and build skills for lifelong success - at home, in the community, and at work.

Putting First Things First
Just like anyone else, the adults we support have full lives - jobs to get to, appointments to keep, and personal responsibilities that shape their weeks. My Life, My Way puts those priorities first.
In the past, traditional day habilitation programs often limited time in the community and restricted opportunities for engagement or self-directed scheduling. These rigid structures created significant barriers to full participation in life. We saw this firsthand and knew something had to change.

Today, persons served are taking the lead - filling their days with meaningful work, volunteering, health and wellness activities, recreation, and social opportunities. It’s not just about being busy - it’s about building skills, success, and long-term security through experiences that matter.

Meet Joe: A Small Step Leading to a Big Transformation
Joe’s story is a perfect example of what happens when people are given real choice and connection. Once shy and reserved, Joe discovered a love for writing through a community class at the library. With support from his DSPs, he not only built new skills - he built confidence and friendships. 

His proudest moment? Standing in front of an audience at a poetry reading to share his own original work.

Today, Joe now spends his days exploring interests, forming connections, and developing the confidence to build his future. With a flexible schedule, individualized support, and opportunities grounded in real community involvement, Joe found his voice and a sense of belonging he hadn’t experienced before.

Moving Forward Together
Our commitment to enriching the lives of people we serve has never been stronger. We believe people with disabilities don't just visit the community, they belong in it.

My Life, My Way is a reflection of that belief. It’s the way we support people to shape their days, pursue passions, build independence, and live life fully on their own terms.

Whether you're a family member, referral partner, or someone looking for the right fit, we invite you to discover what is possible at EPI where all people live their life, their way.