OUR MISSION
Mission Statement: Our goal is to provide a unique and meaningful service that always puts the individual’s needs first. We strive to implement creative solutions to help participants take the steps towards independence and gain the tools needed to be successful in varying environments and situations. Every challenge for the individual becomes our challenge to find a way to enable them to move forward independently. We service the whole individual rather than just one aspect of achieving independence. We endeavor to instill confidence and pride in everyone’s growing abilities and accomplishments. We utilize our staff’s qualifications and strengths to provide an integrative approach to enable individuals to achieve independence in every area of their life. We will utilize all resources and technology available to benefit our individuals and teach them how to incorporate them into daily life. Services will be provided in the most cost-effective approach to help the individual when there is not a natural alternative option in the environment, as authorized by the Westside Regional Center.
WHY WE STARTED
In 2020, my son Luca Paparello moved out to his own apartment. He struggled with self-regulation, daily living chores including cooking, cleaning, community outings and planning social events. I realized that this is not a unique situation and wanted to help others going through the same situation. Luca truly inspired me to create a home program that this program was modeled after.
Following a Person-Centered Plan approach, Luca thrived with the right match of staff promoting self-confidence and independence. Today, Luca cleans his apartment, cooks, going in the community, uses transportation to run errands and plans social events. He utilizes the support of an Independent Advocate.
He has inspired this program to use Independent Advocates to promote an individualized supportive living service program- Positive Steps to Independence to suit each persons’ unique needs.
Positive Steps to Independence is a way for those on the autism spectrum to get a piece of independence, to make friends, and to build confidence in their abilities through social skills. Often it is heartbreaking to hear kids say they will never be “normal” or independent. Here at Positive Steps to Independence, we want to evoke change by building self-esteem through positive reinforcement during every lesson and every activity. By our students the tools that they need to become independent and confident, we hope to make a difference in the lives of our students and their families.
Ruby Paparello - CEO/Founder