The CBDS Program
The CBDS Program provides community and learning.
The CBDS program was created during COVID-19 when You’re With Us! noticed that many services for young adults with disabilities had to pause which made their learning process more exhausting. Participants are supported by services throughout schooling, however when they graduate high school most of these support systems disappear; These young adults are forced to navigate the changes and face the challenges alone.
The CBDS Program aims to create a learning community that would continuously support young adults’ transition. The program provides them with the support they need, and assists with transitioning to adulthood, while providing helpful life skills and lessons to promote independence.
Target participants
The CBDS Program is for young adults who wish to benefit from being a part of a community, and learning skills to promote independence.
The DEN:
Develop Independent Living Skills
Engage in activities you are interested in
Navigate your community using these acquired independent living skills
Our Core Values and Beliefs
What does CBDS do?
Learning:
We have a rotating curriculum that gives participants an equal opportunity to learn topics such as Independent Living Skills, Career Exploration, Community Engagement, Human Rights, Personal Interest and Hobbies, and Health and Wellness over the course of a month regardless of the number of times they attend the program a week.
Community Engagement:
The program ensures a strong community connection. In Worcester, the DEN staff is affectionately called the Warriors. They meet Monday through Friday with dynamic day programming that pivots with the needs of the participants that attend daily. For instance, they go to the movies every Tuesday, join other community-based programs (Open Sky) on Wednesdays, and visit parks or museums every Thursday.
College Engagement:
Once a week the DENS go to their allotted college campus where they meet with mentors. They become a part of another community, make new friends, and experience more social interactions.
Worcester DEN participant
Alyssa Santos, CBDS Site Director, says:
“There is nothing more rewarding than helping adults/young adults achieve more independence.”
Jack B., Tyngsborough DEN Participant, says:
“This program makes me happy; it helps me with all the stuff I might need help with.”
Kalyn D., Tyngsborough DEN Participant, says:
“I enjoy going to the program because my friends are there.”
See a shadow of our past events
Grocery Shopping
Cooking
Community Engagement
Budgeting
Resume Workshops
Mock Interviews
Social Skills
Hygiene Kits
Art Therapy
Yoga and Meditation
Basketball
Emotion Regulation
Self Advocacy
The New England Aquarium
Leominster State Park
Parlee Farm
Restaurants
Great Brooke Farm
Lego World
Puppies on the Run
Movie Theatre
Grocery Store
Mall
Ice Cream