Horizons in South Windham helps those in need
Aug. 22—SOUTH WINDHAM — Horizons in South Windham provides many programs for people with developmental disabilities.
Chris McNaboe, president and chief executive officer/ founder of Horizons, said it is Horizons' commitment to providing quality services for people with developmental disabilities that sets it apart.
"We really tailor-make our support to fit the needs of the individuals that we're working with," McNaboe said.
Not only does Horizons offer great programs for people with developmental disabilities it is also a great place to work.
"The variety of what I do every single day," McNaboe said regarding her favorite part of her job.
Horizons Summer Camp has been in operation since 1979.
The camp offers four twoweek sessions, which run from June through August. Campers are treated to various activities such as swimming, art, pioneering, science, music and performing arts. Campers and counselors live together in cabins.
Camp is open to campers ages 8-80. Staff work with each camper to provide individualized attention to their specific areas of need.
In the evenings, the entire camp comes together for entertainment such as campfires, dances, movies, field games and music.
For those looking for a fun weekend, look no further than Horizons' Weekends in the Country Overnights.
Weekends in the Country Overnights are recreation and respite opportunities offered from September through May. Campers arrive on Saturday morning and return home on Sunday afternoon. Sixteen uniquely- themed weekends are conducted throughout the year, including an opportunity to celebrate the New Year with a three day and two night getaway.
Every Weekend in the Country Overnight sees campers enjoying the same activities offered in the Horizons summer camp, in an action-packed, theme-based weekend.
Due to the success of the Horizons Summer Camp, supported living began in 1985. Parents of some of the Horizons campers loved the experience their children were having in camp and wanted to carry that over to a home setting.
Horizons' supported living services are as unique and multi-faceted as the individuals they serve. Adults live in homes or apartments with a wide variety of custom-tailored supports, from cooking to shopping to hiking and going to the movies.
Horizons also helps those with developmental disabilities find employment. They work with many employers including the University of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut State University and Naval Submarine Base New London.
" Our Supported Employment Team is focused on helping individuals find meaningful employment, acknowledging the dignity, responsibility and satisfaction of holding a job, earning a paycheck and being part of a community," Horizons said in a statement on its website. "We work creatively with individuals and their teams through the course of their career, wherever that may take them."
Since 1991, Horizons has provided educational support to local public school students. They provide students eligible for special education with individualized educational plans.
In addition, Horizons is also a transition service provider with the Connecticut State Department of Education. They partner with local school districts to transition students from being a high school student to an adult.
Students are provided employment internships with businesses that align with their employment goals. Life skills are taught including managing money, cooking healthy foods and time management.
Horizons also has a continuing education partnership with Eastern Connecticut State University.
Through this program, students are integrated into college life at Eastern as full members. They attend classes, join clubs and build relationships with students and staff members. Through this opportunity the students learn what it takes to be an adult, develop necessary life skills and pursue their career goals.
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