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Aldersgate Enrichment Center
Operating
Philosophy
The
primary purpose of Aldersgate Enrichment Center is to develop and promote
the human dignity and self-worth of each resident admitted. This is to
be accomplished through the AEC’s conscious effort to provide each person
with meaningful experience and situations found in day-to-day living. Through
the promotion of the normalization principle, the persons served by AEC
are to live in homes equipped with modern conveniences and tasteful furnishings.
Their
world of work is to consist of participation in a variety of vocational
activities, selected to utilize their best capabilities and interests.
Vocational experiences are to range from simple service work jobs to skilled
operator positions with the ultimate goal being to help them to develop
abilities and to sustain a level of self-sufficiency commensurate with
independent living in a community setting.
In
the progression toward total independence, AEC will provide off-campus
facilities for residents who master necessary independent living skills
and work skills. Such residents are to be given the opportunity of moving
to off-campus facilities with full-time employment being offered at AEC
projects, or they may experiment beyond the local area into other communities
with the knowledge that they have support from the AEC staff for counsel
and assistance.
During
the residents’ leisure time, activities will include physical fitness,
music, dances, cookouts, a variety of games, a sports skill program ranging
from bowling to softball. Residents will also enjoy shopping, eating out,
going to the movies, concerts, church and special events in nearby communities,
or even into other areas of the state.
By
providing a least restrictive environment for persons with retardation
handicap, Aldersgate Enrichment Center’s staff will help those persons
to develop a maximum of responsibilities with a minimum of supervision.
In
addition to seminars, training sessions and counseling for residents, similar
seminars, training sessions and counseling are planned for parents, family
members and friends so they may assist in the development of the various
skills, abilities, and capabilities residents need to achieve and maintain
the greatest degree of normalization possible. Such training, evaluations,
and counseling events are scheduled periodically throughout the resident’s
stay, and relationship with Aldersgate Enrichment Center.
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