Support Services
Supporting Our People For LifeListen to a MP3 file for the visually impaired by clicking here.
Shares, Inc. supports and encourages persons with disabilities to pursue their dreams and aspirations by offering a variety of experiences and training opportunities.
Living Skills: Living Skills Day Program and Instructional classes are offered to help Shares, Inc. participants develop skills to enhance independence in daily life.
Offerings include classes in:
- Cooking and Nutrition
- Health and Fitness
- Money Management and Budgeting
- Math
- First Aid and Safety
- Housekeeping
- Reading and Functional Academics
- Creative Arts
- Computer Skills
- Employment and Community Skills
- Music
Training activities are organized at the Shares, Inc. facility as well as in the community at stores, restaurants, recreational centers, historical places, businesses and other locations. Several participants connect to the community by providing volunteer services to organizations and businesses such as nursing homes, schools, animal shelters, senior services, hospitals and parks and recreational sites. Training is provided in a small group or one-on-one basis.
Community Council/Self Advocacy: Shares, Inc. supports and empowers people with disabilities as they understand and exercise their rights and enhance their knowledge of disability issues. The Community Council is a self-advocacy group that meets regularly to voice concerns, present ideas and suggestions to administration, staff and co-workers. Community Council members provide input in agency policies and procedures, review accessibility of agency facilities and programs and make recommendations, plan the annual open house and participate in other disability awareness activities. The Council members also participate in activities sponsored by Self-Advocates of Indiana.
Transportation: Shares, Inc. staff assist individuals in coordinating and arranging transportation for employment requirements and community services. Wheelchair accessible transportation is available on a limited basis through our buses and vans and to meet individual needs for transportation service. Several participants utilize public transportation whenever possible to access various community settings.
Recreation: Activities are planned throughout the year to pursue leisure and recreational interests. Agency sponsored dances, annual one-day outings and Special Olympics sports activities are examples of opportunities available to Shares, Inc. participants.
Educational Trips: One of the unique learning experiences offered to Shares, Inc. participants is the opportunity to participate in an annual week-long educational trip. Since 1978, Shares, Inc. has organized educational trips across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
Some of the previous trips include New York, Washington D.C., Florida, Canada, Colorado, Caribbean Cruises, Pennsylvania, San Francisco, Wisconsin, Maryland, and South Carolina. For more information on educational trips call 317-398-8218.
Social Services and Service Coordination: Social workers, service coordinators and program management staff are available to facilitate participants’ programs and services and maximize their participation so that they can develop their skills to their fullest potential. Counseling and support are provided to help participants cope with any personal or work problems, develop decision-making skills, foster self-advocacy and acquire social skills. Social Service staff also provide Benefits Counseling on how work income may affect State and Federal benefits and offer assistance in planning and management of those benefits.
To tour our facilities and for more information on Support Services, call 317-398-8218.