Our main goal for this program is that consumers will learn and practice skills that they can then turn around and use in their own homes. It takes a lot of work to effectively maintain a home, and we all know how important it is that all members of a family or group home work together for the good of the entire household. Contributing to the upkeep of a home also fills each member with a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Everyone wants to be useful, and domestic tasks are a great way to achieve the "teamwork attitude."

Here at UCP, a lot of our work revolves around the kitchen. Consumers learn how to thoroughly wipe off tables, fill the dishwasher, push chairs up to the tables, stack chairs to prepare the room for mopping, and how to re-fill consumables such as sweeteners. They make tea every morning for our break and lunch, and some are involved in learning how to do laundry. Cooking and baking is a huge part of our Life Skills program. We provide numerous opportunities to make snacks like pudding and Jell-o, and easy-to-make meals such as spaghetti. The adult program has also started a small enterprise by making dog biscuits that we sell at All Creatures Animal Hospital! Consumers learn the entire process of making the biscuits from scratch. The dough is cut using dog-bone shaped cookie cutters, and all profit is placed back into the program for supplies and community treats. While cooking, special emphasis is always placed upon kitchen safety, and is a common discussion during the process.

Life Skills expand to many other areas. Consumers are encouraged to water all the indoor plants, dust and vacuum as needed, and take out trash with staff supervision. Every spring, a garden is planted off the back patio, and fresh vegetables and fruit are picked all summer long.

Personal hygiene is an important skill to learn, and we take it very seriously. Informal classes and day-to-day discussions are formed to remind consumers of the correct way to brush their teeth, wash their hands, and how to maintain a healthy, clean body.

Because every single person is different and has various levels of ability, we find ways that everyone can be involved in some form of Life Skills. For instance, one consumer may have no problem with mobility and may be able to stack chairs up after lunch. Another consumer may not be able to do this kind of physical work but can learn to throw away his/her own after finishing a meal. Someone who may not be physically able to transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer might enjoy folding towels later in the day.

Life Skills are a fun way to really get involved in group activities and to work as a team toward a common goal!

For more information about Life Skills, please contact UCP at (816) 364-3836 or send an e-mail.