Wild & Free at The Arc

Wild & Free is a program developed to encourage independent living skills with a creative influence. Daily activities will include opportunities for personal growth, community and vocational experience, and relationship-building to equip our participants to excel in their communities, workplaces, and home.

Focus 1: Vocational Experience

Wild and Free works to provide exposure to various areas of vocation. With this they do research and sample job opportunities at local businesses. The program also manages the Creative Arts Store, The Wild and Free Café, and The Wild and Free library. Through these projects we develop skills including managing supply and demand, creating products, delivering purchases, purchase transactions, inventory, hosting, accepting orders, customer service, managing supplies and reordering, kitchen experience, etc.

In the spring & fall the people supported plant crops and focus on developing skills in maintaining agriculture. Crops harvested are used in the training kitchen and also donated to local food banks to alleviate food insecurity in our community.

Wild and Free is home to three chickens and a rabbit which need daily maintenance and care. Participants develop skills in animal husbandry and manual labor. The produce harvested from our garden and the eggs provided by our chickens are used in our training kitchen where participants develop knife skills, study food science, and learn food preparation. Items prepared in the Wild and Free kitchen are sold in the café.

Focus 2: Creative Wellness

Creative and process arts are incorporated daily and assist in building fine motor and problem-solving skills while enhancing communication and expression. Art is a voice to be shared and a vision to be seen and we believe it is a vital part to every community.  We seek to share that passion with those around us.

Wild and Free schedules 2-3 physical activities each week. Zumba, yoga, aerobics, and tai chi are incorporated weekly. Wild & Free are also members of a virtual inclusive gym experience which tailors fitness to each person supported. Wild and Free curriculum focuses on healthy habits and awareness.  We incorporate opportunities to practice proper personal care and implement healthy nutrition.

We use our computers to find healthy recipes, create grocery shopping lists and then go out to purchase items before preparing a healthy meal, snack, or dessert.

Focus 3: Independent Living

Wild and Free works closely with our peers, staff, and community members to build meaningful relationships and grow our ability to live independently. Through on-site home skills training, goal setting, independent conversation prompting, and roleplaying scenarios staff and participants practice the skills needed to increase independence. This includes visits and volunteer opportunities with local businesses as well as social outings.

To enroll in Wild and Free at The Arc please contact:  a.kellum@arcofhp.org

Daily rate: $40

Participants must attend 2 days minimum

Hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

For more information
Contact Alicia Kellum:

Office: 336-883-0650
Email: a.kellum@arcofhp.org

Facebook: wildandfreehp
Instagram: wildandfreehp