Background
Development Homes, Inc. (DHI) has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities since its inception in 1974. DHI began as a single group home for children offering therapeutic residential care in a family-like environment.
DHI has played an important role in the restructuring of North Dakota’s services to persons with developmental disabilities. As the result of a class-action lawsuit, hundreds of people statewide have moved from institutional care to community life since the 1980’s. The State of North Dakota looked to non-profit providers such as Development Homes to develop an array of community services. As a result, DHI evolved from one group home to a multi-faceted provider of supports to children, adults, and families in all aspects of their lives. We are continually striving to meet the challenges of unmet community needs through program development.
DHI makes lifelong commitments and builds lifelong relationships with every person we serve. We are there at every stage in life, helping young people gain skills that will help them live and work independently; helping adults maintain their own homes and secure and retain meaningful employment; and providing a secure and stimulating environment for senior citizens with developmental disabilities.
Development Homes provides a variety of housing options in group and individualized living arrangements, family supports, and vocational services to more than 150 residents in the Grand Forks area. People supported have all levels of strengths and abilities. We are dedicated to helping the people we serve become full and vital participants in community life.
Our Mission:
Development Homes, Inc. is committed to the provision of quality community based support services to persons with disabilities which will enable them to maximize their individual potential and fulfill their personal dreams.
In support of this mission, Development Homes is committed to provide quality services in a family and community setting which enable persons served to attain the highest level of independence in the least restrictive environment. We commit to assisting people to know and exercise their rights, and to empower persons served and their families to make decisions in the planning and implementation of services. We commit to facilitating inclusion in all areas of community life through the development of meaningful, valued relationships. We advocate for the rights of persons served and the education of the public in fulfillment of this mission.
Our Philosophy & Values:
We believe that:
Each person is valuable and should be treated with dignity and respect.
• Every person has the right to make choices, and take responsibility for their actions.
• The rights of every person should be exercised and protected.
• Every person should live and work in the least restrictive setting.
• People with disabilities should be included in all areas of community life.
• Family involvement positively effects the person’s social, emotional and cognitive development.
Residential Services:
Development Homes provides an array of living alternatives in the Grand Forks area. Program services are individualized, reflecting each person and their choices, with a focus on community life. We provide group living at seven locations in Grand Forks, and support people in apartment living and family homes in both the city of Grand Forks and the surrounding area.
Group Living Alternatives:
Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) are certified health care facilities designed to serve up to eight (8) individuals with severe physical and developmental challenges. Continuous active treatment is provided, with a full array of support, medical and therapy services, with a focus on the enhancement of self-care skills, increased independence, and orientation to the community. Development Homes operates three ICF/MR homes located throughout the city. One home is available for children up to age 21, and the other two provide homes for adults 21 years and older.
Transitional Community Living Facilities (TCLF)support people with a variety of abilities and challenges as they work toward achieving personal goals and increased independence, including movement to apartment living. These homes provide a less restrictive environment for people ages 21 years and older. Training is provided to enhance skill development in accordance with each person’s Life Plan. DHI operates four (4) licensed and accredited TCLF homes serving 4-6 people each located throughout the city.
Independent Living Alternatives:
Individualized Supported Living Arrangement (ISLA) provides independent living services for adults ages 21 and over living on their own or with a roommate in an apartment or house setting. Supports are provided as determined by the person’s Life Plan according to need, up to 24-hours per day. Individualized training is provided to support life goals, emphasizing decision-making and involvement in community life.
Supported Living Arrangement (SLA) provides limited support to adults who have reached their goal of living independently. Development Homes provides 1-2 hours of support per week in areas such as money management or healthcare.
Family Support Services:
Development Homes offers two levels of support to families of people with developmental disabilities. In-home services provide support for people of all ages, and Family Care Options enables young people, ages 18-21, to transition from family homes to adult residential services.
In-Home Family Support or Respite provides support for the primary caregiver while their child or adult family member is being cared for by trained staff. The primary caregiver has the option to remain in the home or leave the residence. Services can be provided in the family home or community. Hours of support are provided in accordance with an individual Life Plan.
Family Care Option III (FCO) supports young adults ages 18-21 in an apartment or house setting. Typically the participants attend school and are involved in a transition program working toward employment. At age 21, people in this program are transitioned to ISLA. Training is provided in all areas of life skill development. Hours of support are provided in accordance with an individual plan.
Vocational Services:
Development Homes offers an array of services to individuals seeking job skills training, work crew experience and individual job placements. For employers, DHI can offer a variety of services such as document destruction, cleaning, packaging and assembly, clerical/office support, material handling, and data entry. DHI has access to a specialized work force in which job coach supports are provided for both work crews and individual workers.
Day Supports is a non-facility based program in which individuals have the opportunity to learn pre-vocational skills and gain work experience. Pre-vocational skills include work activities and development of work-related social skills. Paid work experience is offered in the form of supervised work crews. DHI has several contracts with local employers where job coaches and crew members perform work such as cleaning, document destruction, packaging and assembly.
Supported Employment is a time limited, Vocational Rehabilitation funded program in which individuals are placed with community employers. Services include vocational assessment, job development and placement. Job coaching is provided for on-the-job training and stabilization. As the individual increases his/her independence, the intervention of the job coach fades.
Extended Services are designed to provide long term support for individuals employed in the community after the initial training period has been completed. Job coaches provide support as needed, up to 50%. Over time, the amount of on the job intervention needed may decrease, and in some cases the individual will no longer need the services of DHI to maintain their employment.
Licensing:
Development Homes, Inc. programs are licensed by the Disability Services Division of the North Dakota Department of Human Services.
Accreditation:
Development Homes, Inc. is accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership in Supports for People with Disabilities (CQL). CQL is a national quality enhancement organization which is committed to ensure that people with disabilities lead lives of dignity and quality.
