On April 11, 2024 Horizon Project Inc. held an open house for the STEP Center for Independent Living’s new space located at 25 S.E. Fourth St. in Hermiston.
Horizon Project Inc’s, STEP Center for Independent Living offers services in Hermiston, Pendleton, and Milton-Freewater, Oregon for Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in life.
Our team of caring staff create a vibrant and person-centered learning experience that not only allows them to access community events but also teaches them daily living skills and supports their inquisitive minds through all kinds of group and individual activities.
STEP Center stands for Steps to Empowerment Program, and services offered are critical components to ensuring that individuals experiencing IDD can gain employment and life skills, achieve personal goals, and live independently.
Key components of programming at the STEP Center are:
- Individual and group coaching on finances, goal-setting, interpersonal skills, communication, productivity, problem-solving, hygiene, attire, and punctuality.
- Employment training tailored to individuals living with IDD.
- Hands on training in trade-specific skills such as cooking and nutrition.
The STEP Center for Independent Living connects individuals to the community so that they may experience a life full of wonderment and adventure.
• Discovery/Career Exploration Services: This is a person-centered, time-limited service that is a precursor to job development. Individuals explore their employment options and identify their interests, strengths, abilities, transferable skills, and conditions for success.
• Employment Path Services: After people have identified their employment goals, Horizon professionals help people develop the skills needed to realize their goals. Focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, learn new skills and obtain work experience, which often includes volunteer opportunities.
• Job Development/Placement: After successfully completing Discovery and Employment Path training, individuals work with Horizon Job Developers to identify appropriate job opportunities. Job seekers are involved in every aspect of the job placement process.
• Supported Employment Services: After placement, Horizon Job Coaches work with individuals to maintain or advance their employment. Job coaching supports are based on the individual’s needs and goals, short- or long-term, are identified and implemented to ensure successful employment.
• Community Living Program: Horizon Project offers daily activities and skill building for people who are of retirement age, who have chosen not to pursue employment opportunities, or who are preparing for the Employment Discovery Process. Community Living activities are offered in all three Horizon Project locations. Horizon DSPs mentor individuals in several areas such as safety in the community, socialization, and education.
“Due to a demand for increased services in the area, Horizon Project has opened a new facility- the STEP Center for Independent Living.
This program will offer an 8-step course with a streamlined delivery of skill building techniques and curriculum that encompasses differentiated instruction methods. Our program will focus on attributes that encourage independence and professionalism while immersing students in employment readiness and job preparedness scenarios. This is an exciting opportunity for Horizon and the community we serve, our hope is to help young adults easily transition into the next step!” -Bryn Hill, Community Integration Liaison
“The new space for the STEP Center will have long-lasting benefits. It will touch many, many lives in Umatilla County.”- Kent Perkes, HPI board member and parent whose son completed the STEP Center’s program.
“The new space provides much more room for staff and the individuals they serve. Now everyone has room to spread out.” – Terri Silvis, CEO of Horizon Project Inc.
The Open house on April 11th was a huge success!
Many people from the community and from out of town stopped by to see the new building and learn about the services that are now being offered.
Check it out below:
