Home Away from Home Program
Home Away from Home Program
Transitioning into adulthood is daunting. Changes within expectations, lifestyle, and interpersonal connections are difficult for people to conceptualize, navigate, and accomplish. Having a physical disability adds an extra mountain of obstacles that young adults must also overcome.
The Home Away from Home (HAFH) program was born out of my own experiences, growing up as a full-time wheelchair user with endless aspirations. The goal of the HAFH program is to give young adults the community, support, and life-skills that they need as they transition into adulthood.
-Kiara Esteves, Camp Coordinator at Southampton Fresh Air Home
Elements encompassing the Home Away from Home Programs:
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Lifeskill Advisory
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Public Transportation Mentorship
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HAFH Overnight Weekends - Life Skill Labs sessions for young adults
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‘After Campfire’ Podcast
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Campers Give Back
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Resource Seminars for Parents
Lifeskill Advisory
Participants in the Home Away from Home program are matched with their own mentor. They received individualized guidance with professional, personal, and independent living goals. This lifeskill advisory typically takes place via monthly zoom calls, attending cooking classes, grocery shopping, and more!
Public Transportation Training
Navigating the neighborhood while using a wheelchair can be difficult. This mentorship program teaches SFAH alumni to navigate their community utilizing public transportation and para-transit services.
Summer Leadership Program
During the summer camp sessions, recent SFAH alumni become mentors for new and current campers. Alumni gain hands-on experience running programs in their area of interest while assisting in other areas around camp, ensuring that camp runs smoothly and efficiently.
H.A.F.H. Overnight Sessions
The Home Away from Home overnight weekends give participants the opportunity to learn personal care independence and set clear, focused, and practical goals. During these overnight weekends, SFAH alumni practice these goals in a familiar setting.
'After Campfire' Podcast
This podcast contains insights and perspectives from campers, staff, and parents of participants of the summer program. This allows the audience the opportunity to listen to the voices of people with disabilities who are also navigating the world and community around them.
Campers Give Back
Allows SFAH alumni the opportunity to assist with the various fundraising events hosted throughout the year. This allows for the alumni to gain work experience and socialization opportunities with large crowds of people.
Parent Resource Seminar
Raising children and young adults with disabilities has unique challenges. Despite their age, there are always obstacles that other SFAH parents may have experience with. Throughout the year, SFAH hosts Zoom or in-person seminars that give parents the opportunity to share advice, resources, and information from their experiences.