Home Away from Home (HAFH):
Alumni 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, Assistant Camp Director at Southampton Fresh Air Home
Elements encompassing the Home Away from Home Programs:
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Everyday Independence Advisory
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Summer Leadership Program
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Travel Readiness Program
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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
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HAFH Overnight Sessions
These weekend sessions bring together young adults from the SFAH community for connection, independence, and growth. Each session includes themed activities that build practical life skills, teamwork, and leadership while offering space for friendship and fun. Participants take part in group projects, workshops, and shared meals that strengthen confidence, responsibility, and community support in a familiar and inclusive camp setting.
Summer Leadership Program
Gives young adults the chance to build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork while contributing to the daily life of camp. Participants take on leadership roles, support younger campers, and learn hands-on skills that prepare them for future jobs and independent living. Through mentoring, workshops, and real-world experiences, they grow as role models within the SFAH community.
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Campers Give Back
This program gives SFAH alumni the opportunity to assist with events throughout the year, including recruitment fairs, the holiday party, the spring open house, and other fundraising activities. Alumni gain hands-on work experience while supporting the camp community and developing confidence in social settings. These experiences help build communication, professionalism, and teamwork while creating meaningful connections with others.
Travel Readiness Program
Helps participants build the confidence and skills to travel safely and independently. It supports individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices in learning how to navigate transportation systems and public spaces with comfort and confidence. Through real-world practice, participants plan routes, budget for trips, use public and paratransit options, and strengthen self-advocacy and problem-solving skills while exploring new places with the SFAH community.
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Everyday Independence Advisory
Participants in the Home Away from Home program are paired with a mentor who provides personalized support to help them reach their professional, personal, and independent living goals. Mentorship includes monthly Zoom check-ins, cooking sessions, grocery shopping practice, and other hands-on life skill activities.
'After Campfire' Podcast featuring SFAH Campers, Staff, and Alumni
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.
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Parent Resource Seminars
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.