For Your Independence (FYI)

For Your Independence (FYI) is a supported living services program for developmentally disabled clients who are capable of living in their own homes with support.

In 1996, a group of parents had children who seemed quite capable of living on their own with the proper support. The question was, who was going to provide the support and how was it going to be provided? The parents decided to form Total Living Choices and four clients went out on their own. Staff was hired to ensure that clients learned things like how to pay their bills, clean their homes, grocery shop, prepare meals and go to the doctors. In 1997, the program became known as For Your Independence (FYI).

FYI has come a long way since 1997. They are now supporting over 100 clients in DesertArc’s work area. The primary goal of FYI is to support people to live as successfully and independently as possible in their own homes. Some of the areas FYI assists with are: locating affordable housing; travel/bus training; safety and emergency response training; household, money, personal and medical management; community integration; nutrition/menu planning/meal preparation and parenting. FYI is also available 24/7 to provide crisis intervention and support through challenging times when training and/or support are needed immediately.