About the Nonprofit
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Lifestyles for the Developmentally Disabled is a not for profit 501 C (3) organization founded in 1994 with the purpose of improving the quality of life for the developmentally disabled adult (21 years of age and older) population of Staten Island. Our goal is to promote Individuality, Inclusion, Independence, and Productivity in the participants’ daily program. This goal is realized by providing education, employment training, and recreational activities for our participants.
The Lifestyles Program was developed in collaboration with parents, community organizations, local business people, and developmentally disabled adults (participants). Each group recognized the need to develop programs that provide participants with realistic work settings and experiences within Staten Island community.
Lifestyles has continued to grow since its’ inception. Starting with 4 Participants in 1994 the organization now provides services for over 400 individuals with developmental disabilities. Lifestyles footprint has also expanded with sites at The Lifestyles Educational Center, 884 Targee Street, The Lifestyles Abilities Center at 29 Baltic Avenue, The Lifestyles Café at the Staten Island Zoo, The Lifestyles Woodshop on Midland Avenue and TeeStyles our screen printing and embroidery business in the Coral Island Shopping Center on Richmond Avenue. All these sites provide a separate learning skill set for our participants. Whether it is working in our Greenhouses or Caffé on the Willowbrook campus or in our TeeStyles store on Richmond Avenue we have opportunities to meet the needs of all our participants. Media, music, ceramics, college classes, dance, catering, physical fitness, transitional living, and creative arts are all opportunities that make up “Lifestyles”. Our newly created Sensory Room and yoga program in the Lifestyles Educational Center has been shown to be an effective addition to our overall Wellness Program.
Lifestyles offers Respite programs throughout the year. Trips to Villa Roma, Rocking Horse Ranch, Washington, Medieval Times, Baltimore and Kamp Kiwanis are just some of the opportunities that are available. Our Pathways to Employment program also places individuals along with a job coach into positions in the community. Transitioning into community living and providing opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities is our mission and continues to be our most successful ventures.