Sheltered Living Inc

For forty years, Sheltered Living, Inc. has made it possible for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to be active members of our community. On May 27, 1971, seven individuals launched Sheltered Living, Inc. into existence when they signed the official Articles of Incorporation.
Sheltered Living, Inc. is the legacy they left.

These individuals and families laid the foundation for the mission of Sheltered Living, Inc. to:

"...support individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and actively participate in the community."

While the words of the mission have changed over the years, the underlying principle of it has not.

Now, it is our turn and our time to build upon the legacy of the founding families and create a new legacy for the next generation of individuals with disabilities and their families. This will require the active involvement of everyone reading this letter. We need your financial support - above and beyond the critical dollars you generously provide each year to Sheltered Living, Inc. - so that we can realize our shared vision.

For adults living with disabilities there is a shared desire for independence, even in the face of their need for supportive assistance. They don’t want everything done for them, but they do need our help. They want to live as independently as possible in a safe and secure environment… and this is where Sheltered Living, Inc. steps in with practical and supportive solutions.

Sheltered Living, Inc.’s services include Adult Life Skills, Community Living, Independent Living, Targeted Case Management, and Transportation.

Established in 1971, Sheltered Living is Topeka’s oldest provider of residential services for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Our day and residential programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF provides health and human services accreditation worldwide.

Currently, Sheltered Living programs are administered at five separate locations. Not only does this increase duplication of costs such as utilities, technology and transportation, it limits staff effectiveness in networking and coordinating efforts. Sheltered Living, Inc.’s Legacy Campaign will provide support for a new facility to bring services under one roof and increase its capacity to serve more clients. In addition, the campaign will support programs that are otherwise not funded and create a strong endowment for Sheltered Living’s long-term stability.
Families depend on Sheltered Living to create a nurturing and enriching environment for their loved ones. Without Sheltered Living, caretakers would be unable to work. Rather, they would need to remain at home to provide on-going care. As a partner with their families, Sheltered Living provides an individualized level of care for each client, while encouraging as much independence as possible.

In order to provide care as efficiently and effectively as possible, Sheltered Living seeks to meet the following goals through its Legacy Campaign:

New Facility – Through acquisition and renovations to an existing building large enough to accommodate the Adult Life Skills Program, Targeted Case Management and other Sheltered Living programs, the organization will be able to bring everything under one roof. The building will be reconfigured to include substantial space for the Adult Life Skills program; life skills learning stations; computer lab; accessible kitchen; laundry facilities; roll-in showers; program staff and administrative offices.

Program Support – Many understand that a significant gap exists between the reimbursement rate and actual costs of services provided by a nonprofit such as Sheltered Living. In addition, Sheltered Living absorbs unfunded costs associated with the administration of insulin shots, nursing staff, transportation, housing, utilities, maintenance, insurance and food. Over the years, Sheltered Living has covered this gap through special events and fundraisers, but it is important to establish a fund that will secure the organization’s ability to provide these on-going supports to clients as needed. Endowment – It is essential to build a strong endowment for the long-term stability of Sheltered Living to help the organization navigate the inevitable economic cycles. An endowment is financially responsible; it reflects a promise to clients and their families that Sheltered Living will be a permanent support for them and for those that follow for another 40 years of service and beyond.

Read more at ShelteredLiving.org