Introduction
My name is Jessica Jenkins. I grew up in Southern Illinois and obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2014 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. After graduating, I worked in the community with youth from many different backgrounds. I joined OPTIONS Transitions to Independence in September 2021 as an Independent Living Coach. In this role, I work with our staff and students primarily in the apartment and community settings. My focus is on helping students achieve their daily goals and tasks, enabling them to develop the skills they need to live independently and navigate their local communities safely. I am also responsible for planning and implementing recreational activities every weekend, which is the part of my job I enjoy the most because it allows me to incorporate our students’ individual interests regularly. Some of the favorite activities from the past year include trips to Fox Theater, a splatter paint party, and numerous visits to see local artists and musicians. This part of my job brings me joy because I get to share everything I know and love about Southern Illinois with our students and families.
The Importance of Daily Living Skills for Independence
Daily living skills are crucial to independence because they form the foundation of living a fulfilling and healthy life. These skills help individuals better understand themselves and the world around them. Developing strong daily living skills enhances the quality of life, reducing stress around daily tasks and allowing individuals to focus on other goals and sources of enjoyment.
Key Skills and Activities at OPTIONS
At OPTIONS, we pride ourselves on giving our students the ability to understand and practice essential daily living skills every day. We do this through a structured yet flexible schedule that focuses on chores, cooking, fiscal management, recreation, OPTIONS FIT, and grocery shopping.
Supporting Community Integration
Learning about the local community is key to starting and maintaining a balanced and healthy life of independence. Understanding available resources in the community reduces reliance on external support and enhances the ability to navigate social, physical, and safety aspects of life independently. At OPTIONS, students are given numerous opportunities to explore the community through outings and activities, both supported by staff and independently with peers. They learn about different businesses, public transportation, and resources available to them in Carbondale, IL.
Examples of Success in Daily Living Skills
Our success at OPTIONS is evident in the daily teachable moments and the long-term progress our students achieve. For example, one student, who initially struggled with living independently, has now learned to maintain a clean and organized living environment, starting tasks for her evening routine independently. Another student has made significant progress in social interactions, personal hygiene, and cooking, earning recognition for her efforts. These stories highlight the importance of daily living skills in building independence and confidence.
Conclusion: Daily Living Skills as the Foundation for Independence
Daily living skills are the foundation of an independent life. These skills are necessary for maintaining a healthy living environment, managing daily responsibilities, and building positive peer connections. While having these skills doesn’t prevent all challenges, they provide a guide for navigating decisions and overcoming obstacles. At OPTIONS, we are committed to helping our students develop these essential skills, ensuring they are prepared for the responsibilities of independent living.
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