LOOKING AHEAD
RESIDENTS AT GLENNWOOD HOUSE OF LAGUNA BEACH ARE PROVIDED MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND GROW SO THEY CAN LIVE , WORK AND THRIVE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY .
A wide variety of recreational , social and educational activities are organized for residents of Glennwood House .
PROMISING PROGRAMMING According to Faith Manners , CEO of Glennwood House of Laguna Beach , the communal building offers recreation and learning opportunities for residents , including cooking , arts and crafts , hiking , basketball , softball , drama and music , drumming , gardening , beach cleanups and walks on the sand as well as visits to nearby festivals and cause-related activities in the community . On-site activities are available every day while off-site excursions are offered as opportunities arise , many of which occur several times per week . As part of the group ’ s focus on quality of life , fulfillment and inclusion , Glennwood House residents are invited to participate in any of the activities that interest them .
BUILDING LIFE SKILLS Residents at Glennwood House learn aspects of daily living , including budgeting and personal finance , navigating public transportation , interview skills , safe food handling , diet and nutrition and personal care activities like laundry , housekeeping and grooming / hygiene . “ Each resident has a personal plan designed to enhance the skills they already have and set benchmarks for new skills they need and wish to learn in order to live independently in a supportive environment ,” Manners says . “ All 46 of our residents are supported by a team of direct service professionals and a senior support coordinator who navigate growth and opportunities for each resident in consultation with their family .”
SOCIAL SCENE Developing friendships with peers is critically important as those with disabilities often do not have the same access to socialization due to challenges with transportation , communication and ongoing social circles , Manners says . These challenges were compounded by the recent global pandemic , which further disengaged people with disabilities because of program closures , loss of jobs and volunteer opportunities , and disruption of in-person education . “ The residents at Glennwood are really just like any other resident in Laguna … who seeks to live their fullest life by engaging with friends , seeking meaningful employment , and being accepted and recognized as valuable contributing members of the community ,” she explains . g
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 29