Creative Arts

By definition, the word creative is “to have the quality of something created rather than imitated".  In MORE’s Creative Arts component, this quality is achieved through common dignity, opportunity, decisions and the process of creating versus “mass production”.  Three integral facets of this process are Respect: for the individual, the art piece and all who walk through our doors; Responsibility: for our resources, our time, our peers and our actions; and lastly, Choice.  Choice is not just an occasional option; it is evident every day when the artists arrive and choose the projects/workshops they want to pursue.  Some of the choices focus on audio visual workshops, painting techniques, collage, fabric arts, jewelry, music and dance.  Their work is exhibited in the Something MORE Artists’ Gallery and is available for sale.  Earned income for this amazing art gives these talented individuals a sense of purpose, pride and accomplishment.

Life Skills

MORE’s Life Skills component focuses on vitally important goals of helping our clients learn and develop skills to successfully and independently maneuver all aspects of their daily lives.  The objective of communication classes is to teach positive ways to communicate in social, personal, professional and self-advocacy interactions.  Money classes are broad in spectrum and are geared to teach everything from basics, such as the concept of a dollar, to a higher level of learning to budget for living on their own.  Community classes provide training that enables them to be safe while exploring their community and encourage client participation in planning outings that address areas of interest or need, seek volunteer opportunities and utilize public transit when possible.  We also offer classes in gardening, computers and sewing.  All Life Skills classes focus on basic skills and expand to match individual needs, preferences or the degree of learning they want to pursue.

Co-Op

The Creative Options and Opportunities for People component at MORE (Co-Op) serves adults diagnosed with autism and people who have needs much like someone with autism.  Some of the individuals attending Co-Op have a behavior plan which requires the staff be fully trained so the plan can be successfully implemented for the growth of the client.  Others need close support in day-to-day tasks to ensure a successful outcome of their day.  Co-Op encourages, supports and teaches independence for all the people we serve.  We understand that this looks different for every person, so it is vital for us to find and use each clients’ gifts and personal genius to give them opportunities to develop job skills, living skills and safety skills.

Supported Employment

MORE’s Supported Employment Program (SEP) provides services to adults with intellectual disabilities who are seeking employment in a community-based business.  We provide work skills assessment, support with job search, job coaching and follow-along services.  Our staff supports clients in training to assure quality job performance by qualified workers.  We strive to ensure a positive working relationship for the employee with their employer, co-workers and job coach, utilizing natural supports.  Natural supports are those resources available to the person served in their natural environment such as co-workers, community members, family members, etc.  Funding for this program is provided by the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and Alta California Regional Center (ACRC).  Both employers looking for qualified employees as job candidates and adults with an intellectual disability searching for a job benefit from this life-expanding program.