Allies recently opened a new day habilitation program in Mercer county.
“We are located right in the community in Hamilton, which allows for increased engagement in the local community,” Beth Lopez, VP of Day Habilitation Services at Allies, said. “Having this site has been a breath of fresh air.”
The new location supports 26 attendees and consists of a large main room that is perfect for group activities. In addition to the large gathering room, there are several breakout rooms and auxiliary spaces that let attendees stretch out and pursue a variety of interests. A small kitchen space allows for attendees to learn and practice culinary skills, and a small room to the left of the location’s entrance will eventually be a sensory room.
“We are really happy there, it is just a perfect space for a day habilitation program,” Lopez said.
Inside the new program space, the star of the show is the large gathering room. Equipped with plenty of open space, as well as a projector screen, the room is the perfect spot to get everyone together.
“Having the ability to get everyone together and engaged in one room is amazing,” Jaime White, Director of Day Habilitation Services, said. The projector has quickly become the star of the show and is used regularly. Whether it is dancing along to music videos on YouTube or playing trivia games, the large space and projector ensures everyone is involved if they want to be.
The program is perfect for accommodating various activities that make Allies day habilitation programs so special. Regularly, guests will visit the program for activities such as Key of Awesome Music, which visits on a monthly basis to get everyone involved in music.
In addition to music and other special guests, the space is perfect for hosting the interactive lessons integral to Project Grow and offers a place to get attendees moving.
Since Allies moved in, the space has started to feel more like home and more comfortable for people who attend the program. The day habilitation team is still working on decorations, but the new center has undeniably taken on an “Allies” identity.
For folks who have attended the day program since before its arrival at the new location, the new features are a game changer. One attendee mentioned that he really enjoys the projector, because it makes it easy to get music going so the whole group can dance. Other attendees said that they love using the projector to play trivia and do karaoke.
“What I like about the new building is that I can work on my art and drawing,” one attendee said. “I think this is a good place, I have very good days here.”
