Board of Directors and Leadership Staff
Sheltered Living, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was founded on May 3, 1971, by a group of parents and community volunteers. We opened our first home for men and women with intellectual disabilities in January of 1972.
Today, Sheltered Living, Inc. provides residential, day and case management services to over 250 adults and children with intellectual disabilities.
Our goal is to provide the least restrictive environment. Each service plan is built around what the person served needs, his or her preferences and the ability of Sheltered Living, Inc. to provide those services. The residential program offers a wide range of living opportunities, from 24-hour awake staff for those who are medically fragile to independent living for individuals who have the ability to work and need minimal supports. All homes are in Topeka.
Sheltered Living, Inc. has 7 experienced case managers. We believe it is important for case managers to meet one on one with our persons served each month. Case managers help families develop and implement the Person Centered Support Plan and also identify and maintain eligible state and federal funding.
The day program, Adult Life Skills, is headquartered at the Maggie Beers Training Center. Emphasis is place on daily living skills, social skills, leisure and recreational activities, communication, cultural activities and nutrition classes. Those individuals in the program have the opportunity to build self-confidence through a variety of volunteer activities. Each month, the persons volunteer over 800 hours at various local non-profits.
Sheltered Living, Inc. is the only organization in Topeka for individuals with intellectual disabilities with service programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human service providers. Providers that meet CARF standards have demonstrated their commitment to being among the best available. During the last survey in 2009, Sheltered Living, Inc. received the highest accreditation possible of 3 years.
Sheltered Living, Inc. is licensed by state and local agencies. Families and friends are encouraged to be involved through the Person-Centered Support Planning process, frequent visits and volunteering within the agency. Agency funding includes federal, state, county mill levy, fees for service and fund raising.
We also sponsor two events – the Festival of Trees and the Sheltered Living Invitational Golf Classic.
Why Sheltered Living?
- Sheltered Living has a proven track record of 40 years for providing quality services and we have been awarded a 3-year CARF accreditation 5 times—every time we sought accreditation.
- A non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of people with intellectual disabilities.
- A board of directors committed to sound business practices, insuring a continuum of services into the future.
- As an established organization, we have the ability to meet the changing needs of our clients.
- Staff live on-site in group homes and supported living homes.
- 24-hour on-site awake staff in all assisted living homes.
- Up to 15 hours assistance per month for independent living clients.
- Focus on elderly and the challenges they face.
- Expertise in autism and related disorders.
- Registered nurse on staff.
- Award winning Adult Life Skills Program.
