Achieving Progress Through Independence
Independence means having freedom and control to make individual choices. It is one of the values that guides Echoing Hills’ ministry, and it is exciting when we can see it through real-life experiences.

Looking For a Job
Brittany is a student at EchoingU of Southwest Ohio. Wanting to earn money and be around other people, she went searching for a job. Using the skills she learned in the classroom, Brittany applied for and secured a job. Her goals led her to utilize her resources to further her self-sufficiency.

Achieving Goals
Creating goals is a S.M.A.R.T. decision! Smart goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Justin created intentional goals soon after joining Echoing Hills in 2021. Since that time, he graduated from an Auto Mechanic Program and made the Special Olympics basketball team. He shoots; he scores!

Growing Interpersonal Skills
Sami, a student in the EchoingU program, achieved one of her goals through growing in interpersonal skills – and has formed many genuine friendships. Opportunity Village, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities, describes how disability services and the community provide a common space for people with disabilities to explore their interests with like-minded individuals.

Social Engagement
Support systems encourage individuals to become resilient. For example, family! After five years of patiently waiting, Becky visited with her mom, brother, and sister-in-law in the Dayton area. Social activities like these play a part in the journey to independence through community integration

Social engagement comes through serving, too. Take Kim for example! She participates in community integration through her volunteer experience. Reading to preschool children at the local daycare, she enjoys sharing her love of reading, teaching them her life experience. Ameriserve International explains, “Community integration promotes independence by encouraging individuals to navigate social settings, access services, and participate in decision-making processes” (para. 5). Individuals with connections to their community learn personal growth.

 

Echoing Hills strives to guide individuals with disabilities, helping them develop career, social, and educational skills that empower them to live independent and meaningful lives. A place where people can create community at home and in the larger world.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independent
https://www.opportunityvillage.org/disability-services/ways-to-foster-independence-idd
https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/_files/performance-appraisal/How+to+write+SMART+Goals+v2.pdf
https://ameriserveintl.com/the-importance-of-community-integration-for-individuals-with-disabilities/