HISTORY
Originally created in 2002 as a program administered by The Arc of Greater New Orleans, Project STEP was the dream of many Westbank parents who had adult children with a developmental disability. Thanks to a collaborative effort between parents, the city of Westwego, Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority and the State of Louisiana, Project STEP became a reality. Initally serving 12 individuals with a developmental disability, Project STEP now provides servces to over 30 adults.
PURPOSE
Project STEP's purpose is to provide in-house activities and community access services to those individuals who participate. Additionally, consumers have the choice to participate in work activities through The Vintage Garden Cafe and ArcWorks.
SERVICES
In House activities:
Consumers have a choide of activities to participate in 1-2 hrs. per day includingpersonal activities, leisure time activities, and computer activities.
Community Access
Consumers go out into the community five days per week. Their activities include:
Recreational activities - bowling, fishing, hiking, walking and gardening
Cultural activities - museum tours, riverboad rides
Community leisure activities - baseball games, library, movies, shopping
Volunteer activites - food banks, WYES, nursing homes
Work
All consumers participating in any work training activity are paid minimum wage and tips (if applicable). Employment opportunitys include:
Restaurant - waiting tables, busin tables, dishwashing, basic food prep
Custodial/Grounds Service
Marketing/Sales - distributing menus/cupons in the community at stores, etc,
ELIGIBILITY
Any individual, 18 years of age or older with a developmental disability and a resident of Jefferson Parish is eligible for services,
FUNDING
Consumers receive funding through the Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority and the State of Louisiana Waiver Program
CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS
Total
33
Male17
Female 16
Age 18-35 32
Age 35-631
Residence
Harvey/Gretna/Terrytown11
Avondale/Bridge City/Marrero/Weggman/Westwego19
For more information
contact program manager, Paul Nelsestuen, at 341-4414
