Woodhaven provides community living services in a variety of settings. The people we support live in more than 40 traditional and accessible homes and apartments in established neighborhoods throughout Columbia.  Community Living services are intended to assist the people we serve in living independent, fulfilling lives.  It addresses the desires, goals, strengths, abilities, needs, health, safety and life span issues of the people receiving services, regardless of the style of home they live in or the scope, duration and intensity of the services they receive.

Staff Support

Direct Support Professionals (staff) provide support to meet the needs of individuals living in the homes. They help individuals learn new skills and serve as positive role models. Staff members assist and support each person served to the extent they need in learning to care for their personal hygiene, nutrition, household chores, social skills, and other needs.  The number of staff members working at a given time in each home is directly related to the needs of the individuals they are supporting.

Individual Choice

The people we serve are encouraged to make choices about all aspects of their daily life.  They are supported in developing friendships and enhancing their personal growth by encouraging involvement and inclusion within the community.

Special Programs

Woodhaven offers three special programs within Community Living to meet the unique needs associated with certain disabilities.

Positive Support Program – Woodhaven provides a positive support program for people who display challenging behaviors. This program provides more intensive staff ratios and more experienced staff to provide positive reinforcement for appropriate choices and to work on reducing the frequency of negative behaviors.

Medical Homes – There are several homes where Woodhaven supports people who have higher medical needs then in our typical homes. Higher staffing ratios and more experienced staff as well as closer oversight by the Registered Nurses allow Woodhaven to support people with greater medical needs in these enhanced homes.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) – Woodhaven is committed to being on the forefront of services for people with disabilities who have a diognosis on the autism spectrum.  An ASD committee meets regularly to discuss emerging issues and medical advances.  Specialized training is provided for staff members serving an individual with an ASD diagnosis.  This applies to more than 20% of the people served by Woodhaven.