The Importance of Community

Benefits of Community

We all know the importance of communities. Feeling connected is beneficial to our emotional, mental, and social health. The support networks that exist within communities help us alleviate the stresses of daily living, and overcome the challenges that come our way. It is these communities and networks that we turn to when we wish to celebrate success, to socialize, and to have fun. It is also these communities and networks that we rely on when we are tired, overwhelmed, and need support. Community, and the sense of belonging that comes with it, is essential to living a fulfilled, happy life.

Promoting Independent Living

At ILO, most of the members of the Board of Directors are also a part of a participating family; all participating families have self-advocates who wish to live independently. This desire for independent living, as well as the recognition of the importance of community, led to the creation of our organization. We understand that parents of individuals with special needs often do not have the resources needed to build communities for their self-advocates. ILO is creating communities, bringing together peers and caring people who form the support networks for ILO self-advocates. ILO is committed to ensuring these communities will support the self-advocates even after the parents are gone.

Through our work with Center for Independent Futures®, participating families learn how to create supportive communities for their self-advocates – communities that are individualized and person-centered, and involve community partnerships and community pods.