Unlocking Independence at OPTIONS:
Your Pathway to Self-Sufficiency
Nestled near the OPTIONS Academic Building and the Southern Illinois University campus, our supervised apartments provide a supportive environment where learning and living come together. These apartments offer the convenience of being close to academic resources while also providing a community atmosphere that fosters personal growth and independence.
Structured Support
At every step, our dedicated team—comprising Independent Living Counselors, Academic Coaches, and Life Skills Aides—ensures a well-rounded education and lifestyle. Their guidance is not limited to academics; it extends to your everyday life, transforming routines into learning experiences.
Live Well at Aspen Court!
Enjoy private bedrooms, bathrooms, and a well-equipped kitchen featuring modern appliances. The cable and high-speed internet are on us. Dive into recreational activities with amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball court, cardio room, and more. Aspen Court offers the following amenities to accommodate all residents:
- Free Tanning
- Swimming Pool
- Basketball Court
- Cardio Room
- Computer Lab
- Bags Court
- Picnic Area
Download Our Amenities Checklist to See What’s Included!
Overview of Our Services
At OPTIONS, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to enrich your life and enhance your skills. Our programs are tailored to help you explore new activities, master essential life skills, and achieve academic success.
Explore Recreation
Discover an array of enriching activities throughout Southern Illinois. From outdoor adventures to cultural festivities, broaden your horizons and connect with your community.
Master Everyday Life Skills
Our unique Executive Functioning Curriculum equips you with essential (ADLs) and (IADLs). From personal grooming to budget management, gain the skills for an independent future.
Study Skills
Our academic coaches are here to guide you in mastering study skills, utilizing technology plans, and prioritizing tasks, setting the stage for scholastic success.
Your Progress, Monitored
Coaching for Independence Our Independent Living Coaches work on-site, advising on aspects like financial planning, medication management, and household upkeep. Whether it’s signing leases or shopping for groceries, we’ve got you covered.
Holistic Well-being With a dedicated nursing team and dietary planning, we commit to your holistic health and wellness.
Daily touchpoints between our academic and independent living staff ensure your growth is consistently tracked. From your study habits to your culinary skills, we monitor and guide you towards a path of self-sufficiency.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
At OPTIONS, we prioritize the health and well-being of our students. Our dedicated Nursing team oversees medication management, provides medical assistance when needed, and works closely with students, their families, psychologists, or psychiatrists to offer continuous support. Additionally, our Independent Living Staff educates students on making good nutritional choices and portion sizes to establish lifelong health and wellness routines.
More :
- Medication Management
- Medical Assistance
- Nutritional Education
- Lifelong Wellness
SELF-MANAGEMENT
Learning to manage daily life activities is a crucial skill. At OPTIONS, we assist students in areas of self-management, including personal hygiene, laundry, fiscal responsibility, time management, interpersonal relationships, maintaining a clean living space, emotional management, task prioritization, self-advocacy, and effective use of community resources. We provide comprehensive guidance and support.
Self-Management
- Personal Hygiene
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Time Management
- Self-Advocacy
- Community Resources
SELF-MANAGEMENT
Learning to manage daily life activities is a crucial skill. At OPTIONS, we assist students in areas of self-management, including personal hygiene, laundry, fiscal responsibility, time management, interpersonal relationships, maintaining a clean living space, emotional management, task prioritization, self-advocacy, and effective use of community resources. We provide comprehensive guidance and support.
Self-Management
- Personal Hygiene
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Time Management
- Self-Advocacy
- Community Resources
STUDY HOURS
Success in coursework requires effective study skills. Our students participate in supervised study hours held in their apartments five nights per week. Academic coaches are available to tutor and assist students with assignments and new knowledge. Daily communication between the Academic and Independent Living staff helps us monitor academic progress and ensure students are on the right track.
Study Hours
- Supervised Study Hours
- Academic Coaching
- Assignment Management
- Progress Monitoring
CULINARY INSTRUCTION
OPTIONS students have ample opportunities to develop meal planning and preparation skills. Our Independent Living staff works with students as they plan weekly menus, create grocery lists, purchase items, and prepare meals. Students take turns preparing evening meals and shopping. Every other week, they engage in a Culinary Diversity Dinner, where they prepare and share dishes with one another, expanding their culinary horizons. We also use community resources to expose students to diverse culinary experiences and promote healthy eating habits.
Culinary Instruction
- Meal Planning
- Grocery Shopping
- Culinary Diversity
- Healthy Eating
- Cooking Skills
CULINARY INSTRUCTION
OPTIONS students have ample opportunities to develop meal planning and preparation skills. Our Independent Living staff works with students as they plan weekly menus, create grocery lists, purchase items, and prepare meals. Students take turns preparing evening meals and shopping. Every other week, they engage in a Culinary Diversity Dinner, where they prepare and share dishes with one another, expanding their culinary horizons. We also use community resources to expose students to diverse culinary experiences and promote healthy eating habits.
Culinary Instruction
- Meal Planning
- Grocery Shopping
- Culinary Diversity
- Healthy Eating
- Cooking Skills