Opportunity For Independence (OFI)

Ofi's supported living services(sls) was created in 2003 when we saw the need and desire of participants to live independently. Individuals in our sls program may come from their parents' homes, group homes or other facilities. Our progam is guided by a commitment to promote the inherent dignity and individual autonomy of persons with disabilities and to support their full inclusion and participation in the community. Presently, ofi provides sls to 24 individuals throughout the marin county.

The supported training for employment program(step) provides community based vocational training and supported employment to 16 clients. The program offers skills development, classroom training, work readiness and job coach support for competitive employment in community settings. Because we tailor the program to the needs of the individual, we see great success in transitioning from the classroom to the work sites. The program operates monday through friday 9:oo am -3:00 pm.

The lincoln avenue apartments were built from the ground up, specifically to house individuals with developmental disabilities, 18 and older with the ability to maintain a level of Independence. The three-story building was constructed with hud funding in partnership with ecumenical association housing (eah) and took its first tenants in 1997. The building has 6 two bedroom apartments, so individuals live with a roommate. There is a community room and a yard. The building is located near downtown san rafael, so it is very convenient for transportation and services. Ofi provides the community with the supported living services program and a property manager from eah, who lives at the site.