Community Engagement

Small-group, community-based support where a Community Life Coach helps adults with disabilities build skills, confidence, and real connections in everyday places.

Community Engagement at Branches of Life is a community-based service where adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities spend time in small groups with a Community Life Coach out in the community—not in a building all day.

A Community Life Coach helps people practice real-life skills, explore interests, and build relationships in places they actually want to be: parks, libraries, coffee shops, gyms, volunteer sites, and local businesses. The focus is on meaningful experiences, not just “keeping busy.”

Groups are intentionally small—always a one-to-three ratio—so each person has support that fits their needs, communication style, and goals. One-to-one ratios are not part of Community Engagement; people who need 1:1 support would be better served through Community Coaching, which is not currently offered at Branches of Life.

What’s included in Community Engagement

• Small-group outings in the community (1:3 ratio)
• Practice with everyday skills like communication, planning, money use, and navigation
• Opportunities to try new activities and explore personal interests
• Support for building relationships with non-paid, natural supporters
• Participation in educational, leisure, and recreational activities
• Volunteer experiences and community contribution opportunities
• Coaching around problem-solving, safety, and emotional regulation in real situations
• Meaningful activities chosen based on the person’s interests and goals
• Transportation during community activities once the group meets at the central meeting place

Who this service is for

Community Engagement is designed for adults who:

• Have cognitive and/or developmental disabilities
• Want to spend less time “just sitting” and more time doing things in the community
• Can participate safely and actively in a small group (1:3 ratio)
• Are working on independence, communication, social skills, or confidence
• Are interested in volunteering, learning, or exploring hobbies and interests

This service is a good fit if the person:

• Enjoys being out in the community or is ready to try it with support
• Can stay with a small group with intermittent coaching and support
• Has goals related to community participation, friendships, and everyday life skills

Important note: If someone consistently needs one-to-one support to be safe, regulated, or able to participate meaningfully, they may be better suited for Community Coaching, which is not currently offered at Branches of Life.

No pressure — just a chance to talk through what you’re looking for

How it works

Conversation and planning: We start by learning about the person—their interests, needs, communication style, goals, and what environments feel good (or not good) for them.

Designing weekly routines: Together, we build a weekly routine that uses community locations and activities that align with the person’s goals: recreation, learning, volunteering, social time, and more.

Small-group outings with a Community Life Coach: The Community Life Coach leads the group in the community, supports communication and decision-making, and helps people participate in ways that feel safe and respectful.

Ongoing adjustment and feedback: We notice what works well and what needs to change—adjusting locations, timing, group combinations, and supports so the experience stays meaningful and manageable.

Our approach

• Dignity and respect: We talk with people, not about them. We honor autonomy, choice, and refusal.
• Multiple ways to communicate: We use speech, sign, visual supports, writing, and assistive technology as needed.
• Safety and emotional regulation: Coaches are trained to notice cues, shift plans, and use emotional support and de-escalation strategies when needed.
• Natural supports: We look for chances to build relationships with people in the community—not just paid staff.
• Problem-solving in real time: When challenges come up, we treat them as learning opportunities and adapt supports to fit.

Funding and referrals

Community Engagement at Branches of Life is available through Medicaid waivers (when authorized as a Community Engagement service) and through private pay or contracts for individuals, families, and organizations who want similar support outside of waiver funding.

For waiver-funded services, referrals typically come from Support Coordinators or Case Managers, and Community Engagement is authorized as part of the person’s waiver plan.

For private pay or contracted services, families, agencies, schools, or other organizations can reach out directly to explore options and pricing. We’ll help you understand what’s possible based on your goals and resources.

If you’re not sure how this service could be funded in your situation, we’re happy to think it through with you.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a day program?

No. Community Engagement is community-based. People are out in the community with small groups, not in a large center all day. The focus is on participation, skills, and relationships.

How big are the groups?

Groups are always one-to-three. This allows for more individualized support and safety while still being a true small-group experience.

Do you provide transportation?

Participants are responsible for arriving at and leaving from a central meeting place each day. Once the group is together, the Community Life Coach provides transportation between community locations during the outing.

Can someone who needs a lot of support participate?

It depends. We can support people who are working on staying with the group, learning how to be in public spaces or who need occasional coaching. However, Community Engagement requires the ability to participate in a 1:3 small group model. If someone needs ongoing one-to-one supervision to remain safe, regulated, or engaged, Community Coaching would be a better fit (not currently offered at Branches of Life).

Can families or providers help shape the activities?

Yes. We welcome input from families, guardians, Support Coordinators, and other providers so the activities line up with the person’s larger goals and support plan.

Want to explore Community Engagement?

Whether you are a Support Coordinator, family member, or adult exploring options, we can help you figure out if Community Engagement at Branches of Life is a good fit.