“Just” People, Inc.Abled & Disabled working together

“Just” People, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that’s mission is to provide a variety of social activities and

independent living assistance to developmentally disabled adults, the mentally ill, and traumatic brain injured to encourage

full participation in the life of the community and to enhance independent living skills.

The History of “JP”In 1995, Just People was started By Becky Dowling in her home. After 20 years of being a stay at home mom, she had started working as the event planner for an agency that serviced adults with developmental disabilities and therapeutic foster children. That agency had decided there wasn’t enough $$ in the adult services and was dismantling that department. When Becky asked what happens to the individuals in that service, the answer she got was, “its not my problem..” Becky got 10 families together, met, raised $1000 and Just People was born. After a few days of deliberation on what to name the company, her youngest daughter said, “ Why does every name you come up with say special? They’re just people, mom.” Hence…. “Just” People, Inc.

Who do we Service?Just People is for individuals that are high-functioning. To qualify for services individuals must be able to:•Bathe•Dress•Feed themselves•Cannot be a harm to themselves to others•Ages 18-70•Be a willing participant in their program•Agree to service fees/ personal expenses•Have a developmental disability/mental illness or both

•Just People currently serves over 170 individuals in an Independent Living setting. These individuals live in a variety of settings including 2 apartment communities where the majority of residents are serviced through Just People or another agency of their choice. The most important part in choosing an apartment is to figure out what works for the individual and is the least restrictive for that individuals hopes and dreams.

The Roswell Village & Burns WalkLocated in Roswell, GA 1 mile from the square. The Just People Village houses 100 people- those in the program as well as staff that choose to live on property. Burns Walk Is conveniently located in Lilburn only 6 miles from the JP Day Program! Housing 54 individuals in townhomes is just another opportunity for independence.

Individuals receive supports depending on level of need from 4-16 hours per day with staff available onsite for overnight issues, etc.

Safety is key! Not only does each individual and their family have a code to get in the gate after 10, but there are 9 security cameras and 4 staff that live on property.

Socializing has become easy for everyone. They have dinner with friends, watch tv together, play games and say hello at the mailbox! Many of the individuals lacked this benefit when living in other settings due to safety concerns, transportation, etc.

Home- All apartments are decorated how the individuals choose- some have interior designers and some have posters! Choice is prevalent at JP!

CAG- Community Access Group

• Day Program/ CAG

Socialization is so necessary for quality of life. After high school or a move, it can be difficult for anyone to make friends or to find social networks that you feel comfortable.

The Just People Day Program provides a common place for people all over Metro Atlanta to gather. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, volunteers and companies come in and share information or experience with our individuals, along with yoga in the park, cooking classes, exercise, money management, games, etc. Tuesdays and Thursdays we go out into the community to places like the Mall, Dave & Busters, The Coke Museum, Bowling, etc.

Making friends is easy at Just People because you are with others your age who have similar interests!

Just People Party Animals

Social Program/ CAG

Have you visited every island in the Caribbean? Traveled on 15 Cruise Ships? Been to Vegas? Been inside the White House? Swam with dolphins and sting rays? Well, then you must not be a “Party Animal?!?”

Just People believes that every individual should have the opportunity to try everything! The world doesn’t operate from 9am-5pm. Evenings, weekends, late nights- you name it, we do it!

The Social Program is offered for individuals that are looking for fun with friends and peers. Staff is available and a part of it all in the most independent settings possible.

Other services provided by Just People:

• Supported EmploymentA job coach assists individuals in small work group settings to prepare for the work force, in resume writing and completing applications, in job search and development and in on site job training. This service is available only to those in the ILP Program.

• Community Access Individual

This service is primarily for Medicaid Waiver recipients that have selected this service. Individuals will experience a specific activity with a staff 1:1 for a specific number of hours monthly. The goal is to develop natural supports within the community.

“It’s so scary! I have worked my whole life to keep my child safe and then I just turn them over to someone else?”

• HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT PLACE FOR MY FAMILY

MEMBER?• Ask QUESTIONS!

• Do not be AFRAID- you and your family members are in control!• If it seems fishy- IT IS.

• INVESTIGATE- ask for family members you can call. Ask to speak with

individuals currently served and direct staff by themselves.

• Do a TRIAL day or Respite stay to make sure your family member feels

comfortable.• LISTEN carefully!

WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO

ASK???

• Ask what services they provide – ask for specifics (residential, sports, employment) • Can parents be involved? To what extent? • Ask to meet staff and consumers that are in the program. • How do you screen staff? What training do they have? National Background Checks? • Ask to see the home or several homes and their day program building. • What can my child bring into the home/ apartment? • How are the holidays handled? • How often can my child come home? Do you have a parent support group? • Can my child work? Do you help them find a job? • If my child works does he have to turn over his paycheck to the program? • How does transportation work? Cost? • What kind of social program do you offer? • Do you have a sports program or an exercise program? • What do the consumers do all day? • Who handles doctor’s appointments? • What are their living expenses and who pays them? • Do you take their SSI or SSD Check for living expenses? Who handles these things?

• Who decides what they eat? Do they go to the grocery store? • What is expected of the family?

• What happens if I die?

Make a list of questions- or take

this one to any program you go to. When you actually get there- you can get overwhelmed and it is best to be

prepared.

CREATE A ONE PAGE PROFILE FOR YOURSELF

OR YOUR CHILDWhat works for you or your child?

What doesn’t work?

What type of person works best with you or your child? Someone quiet, direct, patient, funny, male/female…be specific.

BE HONEST! The more information you give, the better informed the program will be to set up a plan to keep your child on the path to success.

YOUR CHILD IS PERFECT! We know. They have never done anything wrong and are always wonderful- WE WISH! Noone is perfect- share it all- you may get a “no” but that’s ok- that just means you are getting closer to a place where your child fits.

LET IT GO! You have to love your child enough to let them go. Let them grow. Be pro

START LOOKING!!! YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LIVE

FOREVER!

• WHAT NEXT?

Unfortunately, you can’t be the care giver forever. Nowadays, people live longer, true…but they have not yet found a way to ensure that you will outlive your children.

You cannot assume that your other child, friend, coworker, etc will care for your child when you are gone. Things happen, lives change, money and troubles get in the way. There is no guarantee- so PLAN!!!

It’s a part of life that you grow up and move forward. Everyone should have the opportunity if they choose to leave home. Opportunities create experiences which create knowledge and life. You and your child cannot know what is out there unless you look. BE PROACTIVE!