"Our vision is of a society that values each individual
and provides the opportunity for all people
to lead full and productive lives"

Learn more about the Silcock Family

Enjoying Recreational Activities

First Step Supported Living Services believes in the importance of recreational activities. We have discovered that one of the downfalls of supported living can be a feeling of isolation that our consumers feel when they are living on their own. Often they are no longer attending public school and do not visit family members or friends on a consistent basis. Lack of transportation, limited funds, reduced community awareness and limited planning experience can also be barriers to consumers ability to get together with friends. To address this issue, our agency provides many recreational activities every month. These activities are encouraged as a way for consumers to develop friendships, improve community skills, and to experience life.

Since most of the consumers served by this agency live on an extremely fixed budget, most of the scheduled activities are either free or low. FSSLS accepts donations (movie tickets, play tickets, restaurant gift certificates, etc.) through it's non-profit agency to decrease the cost of recreational activities to consumers. Occasionally, FSSLS will fund the scheduled activity for all consumers and support staff. Transportation is provided to consumers so that lack of transportation is never a barrier.

Typical activities include a movie and dinner night once per month. Each month one consumer and his or her roommate select the movie and dinner location. The consumer and his or her roommate are responsible for notifying the rest of the program participants with the event details. This allows each consumer the opportunity to plan an activity for his or her friends. Additionally all birthdays are celebrated with a party. Bar-B-Q's, picnics, pool and beach parties, and park concerts are scheduled as the weather permits. We have also scheduled museum tours, visits to amusement parks, and attended sporting events. Our consumers have participated in community events such as the annual AIDS WALK and the Huntington Beach Duck-A-Thon. Currently we are even in the process of setting up a weekly bowling league. Family members and members of the consumer's circle-of-support are welcome to attend activities with us.

Finally all consumers are encouraged to attend the annual FSSLS vacation. Each year we take a three to four day vacation at a location selected by the consumers. In the past we have traveled to San Francisco, Laughlin, and Las Vegas. These vacations are a great experience for everyone involved. We make sure that each trip is planned so that the consumers have maximum input on the activities in which they would like to participate. It's wonderful to get away for a while with friends and experience new sights and experiences.

Las Vegas Trip Pictures - April 2-5, 2007