“The kids love to come to the CLASS Healthy Balance program. They feel like they belong to a community and fit in. They are more outgoing, social, interactive, energetic, engaged with their peers and mentors. The program brings out their inner spirit and they can just be themselves and let go.”

Respite Care and Family Relief

Caregivers give so much of themselves every single day. That’s why our respite care program steps in with reliable, compassionate support when families need time to rest, run errands, or simply recharge. Trained and background-checked staff provide one-to-one attention in the home or at a community location, ensuring your loved one stays engaged and safe while you take the break you deserve.

Respite is not just about giving families a pause — it’s also a chance for the person receiving support to build new relationships and practice everyday skills in a relaxed setting. Whether it’s an afternoon of board games, a walk in the park, or help preparing a favorite snack, each visit is tailored to individual interests and routines. Respite can be scheduled for a few hours, a full day, or overnight, depending on your needs and available funding sources.

We work with families to create a consistent plan, often introducing the same support worker for repeated visits so trust grows naturally. This continuity helps reduce anxiety and makes the experience feel less like a service and more like a visit from a friend.

Transition Services for Young Adults

The leap from school to adult life can feel overwhelming. Our transition services help young adults with disabilities, ages 18 to 22, explore what comes next — whether that means further education, volunteer work, supported employment, or simply building the confidence to navigate the community on their own. We partner with local school districts and families to design a person-centered transition plan that starts well before graduation.

Through hands-on workshops and real-world practice, participants learn essential skills like using public transportation, managing a simple budget, communicating with employers, and advocating for their own accommodations. Each young adult works with a transition coordinator who helps set realistic, meaningful goals and tracks progress over time. The focus is always on what the person wants for their own future, not what others assume is possible.

• Weekly community-based outings to practice travel and social skills
• Job shadowing and informational interviews with inclusive employers
• Workshops on self-advocacy, hygiene, and workplace communication
• Individualized portfolio building, including resume and reference development

Community Connections and Social Recreation

Meaningful friendships and hobbies are a core part of a full life. Our Community Connections program organizes small-group recreational activities that help people with disabilities discover new interests, practice social skills, and simply have fun. From adaptive yoga and art classes to bowling leagues, museum trips, and seasonal celebrations, there is something for every personality and energy level.

Each activity is led by trained staff who focus on natural support and peer interaction, stepping back whenever possible to let friendships form on their own. Transportation from a central meeting point or from home can be arranged, and all venues are screened for accessibility and safety. Participants regularly tell us that these outings are the highlight of their week — a chance to be part of a group, laugh, and try something new without pressure or judgment.

We also offer weekend and evening events for adults who may work or attend day programs during the week. These flexible options make it easier for everyone to stay socially connected, regardless of their schedule.

Clinical and Behavioral Health Supports

Some individuals need extra help managing emotions, sensory input, or complex behavioral challenges. Our clinical team brings together board-certified behavior analysts, licensed counselors, and nurses who work side by side with direct support staff and families. The goal is never to “fix” a person, but to understand what they are communicating through behavior and build practical coping strategies that lead to more good days.

We begin with a functional assessment — observing the person across home, program, and community settings — to identify triggers and strengths. From there, we develop a positive behavior support plan that focuses on teaching replacement skills rather than punishment. Ongoing coaching for staff and family members is built into the plan, because consistency across every environment is what makes real change stick.

Clinical supports also include medication oversight, nursing consultations, and coordination with outside therapists and psychiatrists. By wrapping these services around the person and their care team, we reduce crisis moments and help individuals feel more in control of their own daily lives.

LHS Special Needs Nurse, Learn more about the Arc of Greater Lawrence