The Branch hosts Open House Dec. 14

Trinity Services invites you to an open house for its newest program, The Branch, which is designed to help students and young adults with intellectual disabilities develop living skills and new friendships.
The Branch Open House will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14 at Trinity’s newly remodeled space at 352 W. Maple St., Suite C, New Lenox (a few doors east of Ace Hardware). RSVP to Krystal at 815-462-3652.

“The Branch is a mix of fun, learning, working and a little bit of awesome,” said Kevin Schaefer, associate director, Adult Learning.

The Branch mainly serves young adults with intellectual disabilities who have graduated high school, but it is open in the evening so current students also may join. The Branch offers a time and place for them to work on those “next steps” of life after high school.

The Branch has a cafe area which offers smoothies, snacks and Wi-Fi. Activity options include yoga classes, Pilates conditioning, creative expression, practice using social skills, job searches and development, and numerous excursions into the community to strengthen each young person’s ability to make wise choices and integrate well. Many activities incorporate smart technology such as laptops, tablets, apps and GPS to provide information, appropriate cues and guidance in everyday living.

Members also venture into the community to build relationships and promote learning outside the walls of The Branch. Members can choose from five participation tracks: Creative Expression, Designing my Future, Fitness and Healthy Living, World Exploration, and Tackling the Everyday.

Trinity’s Career Access Network (CAN) also is housed in The Branch. The network provides planned, organized activities that assist a person with disabilities to secure employment. CAN participants receive support as they obtain job skills and make informed choices. The main goal is employment that the person finds meaningful, with competitive wages and benefits.

Based in New Lenox, Trinity Services Inc. is a nonprofit, non-sectarian organization that serves 3,500 children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or mental health needs. Trinity serves 30 communities in eight counties in northeast, central and southwest Illinois and Reno, Nevada.