Woodhaven is very proud of its Community Connections program which operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our program provides people with developmental disabilities opportunities for volunteerism and to interact with other members of the central Missouri community.  Woodhaven evaluates how successful we are at helping participants through the Quality Outcome Measurement System.  This system offers our coordinators the ability to gauge the amount of time each individual spends volunteering and having valuable community interactions each month.

“Without Walls”
Community Connections is designed to be “without walls”. It does not take place in one particular setting, but is community- and home-based. Individuals are typically paired with a compatible peer who has similar interests, with one staff assisting the pair. Each participant chooses activities he or she enjoys either by communicating directly to the support staff or by observation and input from family and staff on activities they appear to enjoy.

Monthly Activities
Each month, the Community Connections program offers a wide variety of activities. A monthly calendar is developed by the Community Connections Coordinator with input from the participants, incorporating ideas from community calendars, local newspapers and brochures.

Each week there is bingo and bowling at a local bowling alley. There is typically a Bible study session, and a group potluck (often with a holiday or seasonal theme). With the exception of winter months, at least one out-of-town trip is planned. Recent destinations include St. Louis (for the Zoo, the Science Center, and a baseball game), the Extreme Screen at Kansas City’s Union Station, Amish farm tours, the state capitol building in Jefferson City, boat rides in Hannibal and the Lake of the Ozarks, a water park at the Lake of the Ozarks, and an Amtrak ride to Sedalia, MO. Other monthly activities include crafts, group movies, karaoke and many more. 

Volunteerism
Service to others in the community is an important component of Community Connections. Individuals in some houses help distribute meals to seniors and those within the community by volunteering for Meals on Wheels.  Others participate in an “Adopt a Grandparent” program with a local nursing home.   Several Woodhaven homes have developed a partnership with the Coyote Hill Children’s home, collecting and donating items for the home and enjoying activities like picnics with the children.  Participants periodically work at the Food Bank and do other volunteer work around town. In addition to the benefits to the community, these activities help to promote good vocational skills for those who participate.

Individual Choice
Although many things are scheduled at the beginning of the month, there is room for spontaneity in finding new activities, and individuals are encouraged to pursue their own interests.  There is not a participation requirement associated with any of the scheduled activities. Staff encourages everyone to choose what interests them. For example one individual goes to the senior center and participates in line dancing; another attends a weekly aerobics class. Whenever possible the staff work on developing natural supports within the community.

Community Partnerships
The Community Connections program has been fortunate to benefit from the assistance of volunteers, including students from the University of Missouri working toward Human Service related degrees.  We also partner with organizations in the community in providing activities for the people we serve, such as the Columbia Art League and the State Historical Society.

Please contact our Community Connections Coordinator with any questions, ideas or if you are interested in volunteering or partnering at 573-876-7338.  Please allow 2-3 business days for a response.

Learn more about volunteering with Woodhaven.