Providing life skills to individuals with disabilities.

The Arc of Fond du Lac provides support and resources for individuals with varying physical and cognitive disabilities. They serve all populations, including youth, adults, and caregivers. They have multiple housing units where residents live. They also have a main center with drop-in (respite care) and day and evening program classes. The center is a location for networking, resource sharing, and offering of classes/events, such as art, music, nutrition, communication skills, etc. 

Nutrition, food choices, and cooking are important life skills for individuals with disabilities. Clients can range drastically in their familiarity, knowledge and experience of these topics. The Arc of Fond du Lac reached out to the FoodWIse Program with interest in offering nutrition education classes. In particular, they are currently partnering with the local hospital, SSM/Agnesian Healthcare, on a grant to offer more education and resources on healthy lifestyles.

Classes have been planned for the following: the Self-Advocacy series, which has a one-time session in the series that focuses on healthy eating and food budgeting; a basic MyPlate introduction class for the the Self-Selection classes, which are the monthly classes at the main drop-in center; and a series of cooking classes at three of the housing units. Youth specific programs will be planned in the future, as well. 

Support Extension