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WHAT WE DO(differently)We're on a mission. Everyone with a social and emotional challenge deserves to have a full, happy and healthy life. These individuals are caring, talented and have so much to offer. Yet, thousands of young people are shut out of social, educational and employment opportunities.With specialized supports and opportunities individuals can have fuller lives. Everyone deserves to have relationships, accomplishments and adventure.At Great Connections we respect everyone's individuality. We foster organic peer relationships and support age-appropriate activities. Always promoting skills, our instruction is based on the neurological and cognitive underpinnings of social and emotional development. We motivate our clientele through instruction and activities that encourage independence, confidence and well-being.
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OUR TEAMLorraine MillanCEOLorraine holds a Masters Degree in Applied Psychology from NYU, and was the Director of Catholic Charities' Center for Social & Emotional Enhancement at Mount Loretto for 8 years. She specializes in social skills training, behavior management, professional development, program development and parent advocacy and support.
As a professional for over twenty five years, Lorraine understands the limited supports available to individuals with social and emotional challenges and their families as they grow older. Lorraine is redefining teen and adult services by creating opportunities for growth and development through specialized and stimulating supports and training. Lorraine is committed to providing an enriching, integrated, modern and comfortable environment where young adults are inspired to broaden interests, improve capacities and connect to others. -
Programs and ServicesPurposeful Instruction, for Meaningful LivesThe Arts and Exploration Center
Come join us at our multipurpose center designed to expand opportunities, broaden interests and improve capacities for individuals who desire greater fulfillment and independence in their lives. Our mission is to connect teens and adults, with all levels of ability, to meaningful relationships, activities, and instruction. We are committed to providing a dynamic, uniquely comfortable and enriching atmosphere that promotes social, vocational and personal growth.Adult ProgramsFlexible programming centered around individuals interests and abilitiesEnrichment ProgramsWe all have something to contribute! Individuals with social or emotional challenges are among the most creative, intellectually curious and imaginative members of our society. Harnessing the talent, creativity, and interests of these individuals holds enormous potential benefit for them and society. And, we're prepared to do just that. By providing individuals with the latest advanced technology, instruction by industry professionals and individualized skill and project development, we can expand interests, develop a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and provide meaningful stimulation, satisfaction and enjoyment.Art
The art program is designed to assist individuals in discovering and nurturing their creative abilities. Most instruction will be provided in a group setting, but individual's specific interests and projects will also be supported. Areas of exploration may include:graphic design
drawing basics
beginning photography
photo editing
t-shirt/card/button design
pop art
framing
jewelry design
floral arrangement
interior designTechnology
The technology program is designed to provide a creative and productive outlet for individual's who have an aptitude for technology. They will be supported in developing and improving skills that can enhance communication, expand learning or even lead to employment opportunities. Areas of instruction may include:keyboarding (typing)
online research
communicating in the modern age (email, texting, face time)
introduction to word documents
introduction to data base programs
beginner web design
intro to programing
intro to photoshopMedia
With the right guidance and purpose, media is a great way to learn about and connect with the world. The program exposes individuals to various forms of digital, entertainment and social media. Subject areas may include:understanding and creating blogs
broadcast media
using and creating social media
video productions
audio and video editingVocational Services
Getting a job and keeping a job is particularly challenging in this day and age. We provide flexible and person-centered instruction that focuses on interests, strengths and the skills required to maintain employment.
Prevocational Training
This program is designed to practice and develop the prerequisites skills necessary for obtaining and keeping a job. The specific components of each individual's program will vary with interests, strengths and needs. Skills training may focus on:exploring strengths and areas of interest
following multiple-step directives
developing acceptable work routines
initiating tasks
completing tasks
communicating needs effectively
accepting and following instruction
managing frustration
working cooperatively with others
managing time constraintsVocational Training
This program has been designed for individuals that have displayed a level of mastery in prerequisite work skills. Individuals are given greater responsibility and autonomy. Instruction focuses on specific work tasks and skills related to their area of interest. Each individual's program will vary with interests, strengths and needs. Training may focus on:understanding workplace etiquette
accepting and learning from constructive criticism
demonstrating dependability
considering personal appearance
independently problem-solving
developing confidence
persisting on challenging task
understanding health and safety issues
considering quality of work
balancing on-task and off-task behaviorTiered Vocational & Employment ServicesComing in the near future!- Internship program- training to hire (mentoring, online travel, office work, social networking)
- Entrepreneur development and support
- Customized employment agency services- moving individuals into competitive employment (employer recruitment and training, job-matching and support)
Preteen, Teen and Adult ServicesLets get socialAfternoon and Evening ProgramsSocial SkillsSupporting and teaching social information processing is the foundation of our instruction. Sessions are designed to comprehensibly guide the individual through social interactions, with an emphasis on targeting the way they attend to, consider and respond to external information. We teach, practice and support adaptive skills, so that individuals can learn to get their needs met in a socially acceptable manner.Social Skills Classes (11-15 yrs. old)
Good social skills are critical to functioning in all areas of life. The ability to make thoughtful decisions, persevere, control impulses, communicate clearly and relate to others is essential for making friends, getting along with others and being productive at school. Social skills classes are now available to intermediate and high school students. These small groups engage in cooperative activities designed to improve self-awareness and empathy. Classes are grouped and divided according to age and ability.Skills practiced and developed include:
valuing and developing relationships
cooperating
adapting to change/ improving flexibility
communicating needs effectively
managing commitments
resolving conflict
considering and understanding others' perspectivesPersonal Growth Classes (14-adult)
Life-development courses are now available for teens and adults. Based on the latest research, these groups engage in instruction that explore adult themes, expand awareness, teach practical strategies and promote personal development. Classes are grouped and divided according to age.Adult Life 101
This class explores the basics. From budgeting, to filling out a job application, to answering the phone politely, we'll review all the skills that lead to greater independence.The Art of Conversation
This class provides a loosely structured format that supports individuals in their efforts to communicate and make friends.Ready, Set, Goals
Designed to be fun and thought provoking, this class assists in exploring values, developing priorities, setting realistic goals and developing plans of action.The Friendly Competition
This class offers a safe opportunity to learn and practice interpersonal and cooperative skills through competitive activities, so that everyone can be better prepared for the game of life.Romantic Relationships
One of the most important aspects in our lives is learning how to have mutual, caring romantic relationships. A sensitive topic and subject matter rarely discussed, we will explore all aspects of romantic relationships.
For Argument's Sake
This class explores and practices the necessary components for resolving conflicts. Flexibility, emotional regulation and cooperative skills will all be practiced.Exploring Relationships Through Film
In this class, we will use film to investigate the social world. In an effort to expand awareness, critical attention will be paid to the underlying motivations of characters, the conflicts they experience and the consequences of their behavior.College Life 101
This class provides an overview of some of the differences between high school and college and prepares students for likely challenges. Managing workloads, deciding on courses, understanding standard procedures, exploring social opportunities and finding supports will all be reviewed.Socialization Opportunities
Restricted interests, limited opportunities, and bad experiences in the past, keep many individuals from meeting others and developing relationships. Loneliness is painful and emotionally and physically unhealthy. Yet it's often hard to convince many individuals to get out of the house and make an effort to spend time with others. That's why we've worked hard to create a relaxed and stimulating environment that encourages social interaction and friendships. With the right support, entertaining activities and a cool place to gather most individuals won't be able to keep themselves from having fun!The Art of Hanging Out (Teens)
This program gives teens the opportunity to develop friendships in a safe, structured and fun environment. The program is designed to promote peer interaction and to expose participants to age-appropriate activities commonly enjoyed by teens. The goal of the socialization program is to aid kids in adapting to various social environments and ultimately to build sustaining healthy peer relationships.The Art of Hanging Out (Adults)
Listening to music, eating take-out, playing the latest video game, all of these things are better when you're doing them with someone else. This is not a formal class, but instead is an opportunity to socialize and get to know others. Hanging out is not so much a skill, as it is a state of mind. We provide a cool, comfortable and safe setting to gather. With proper over-site and plenty to do, the opportunities are endless.Parent TrainingEffective supports take more than good intentions and common senseMonthly ClassesTrainingsMonthly training seminars are now available for parents. These classes are designed to help family members understand and support their child through their teens and early adulthood. Classes may include:
- realistic goal setting
- helping your child initiate and sustain friendships
- understanding and recognizing psychiatric disorders
- supporting resilience in the face of challenges
- recognizing and supporting typical developmental milestones
- the art and science of dealing with people for you and your child
- the role of romantic relationships in adulthood
- workplace culture and expectations
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