Opening doors to the future…

The Monarch Living Program is an innovative residential support program for young adults with mild developmental disabilities. Eight residents spend one year living in a downtown Elmhurst, Ill. apartment building where they receive community-based training geared toward enhancing skills needed to live independently in the community.

Services are provided in a 4-unit apartment building conveniently located in downtown Elmhurst, near public transportation, shopping and Elmhurst College. Each apartment unit has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen and living room.

The program is open to men and women and operates year-round. Participants enroll for a year-long term. The program began the first full-year term in August, 2008.

Essential Skills & Living Supports

Similar to a college investment, participation in the Monarch Living Program does not guarantee a specific outcome, but provides a structure for young adults with disabilities to maximize their potential and expand the opportunities that are available to them as adults.

Essential Skills

Program participants must possess the following essential skills in order to participate in the program. Assessment of skill level is at the discretion of Ray Graham Association.

● Personal care and grooming

● Emergency recognition and response

● Medication self-administration

● Basic food preparation

● Ability to self-manage behavior

● Ability to engage in respectful interactions with program peers

● Community survival skills

Standard Services and Supports

All program participants will participate in the following program activities:

● “Safety Net” well-being checks and communication

● Monthly home safety assessment Participant meetings

● Documentation of services provided

● Development of weekly activity schedule

● Opportunity to participate in planned weekend recreational activities

● Monthly evacuation drills

Staff Supports

Staff support will be provided by RGA Life Skills Instructors, using a “Life-Coach” model. Life Skills Instructors have a college degree, and are highly motivated to establish a personal relationship with each program participant, and support them in gaining the maximum benefit from the program. Each month will focus on a different essential skill area, including:

● Mastering Safety at Home

● Establishing a Personal Daily Schedule

● Getting to Know the Community

● Maintaining Your Home

● Gaining Employment Skills

● Volunteerism

● Healthy Lifestyle Choices

● Gaining Financial Independence

● Problem Resolution

● Establishing Safe and Healthy Relationships

● Looking to the Future

Program staff have daily contact with participants. The program does not offer over-night staff support. Program participants are expected to participate in structured daily activity, such as work, school or other relevant activities. Program participants wishing to attend an RGA Com-munity Learning Program may do so for an additional fee.

Program Goals

Click here to download the Monarch Living Program Goals Brochure .

Payment & Funding

Participants pay a monthly rental fee and a separate program support fee. An initial deposit of the first and last month program fees is required upon enrollment. Monthly rent and program fees are due by the 4th of each month. Program participants pay for their own food, household expenses and recreational/personal expenses.

The Monarch Living Program is not a publicly-funded program. Participants may use a combination of Social Security income, private resources or flexible public resources (such as the Home Based Services) to pay for the program.

Click here to download the Monarch Living Program Costs Overview.

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