From your first connection with LIGHTS to move-in day, we’re here to help.
As you probably already know, the journey to independent living can be filled with many challenges and hurdles along the way.
At LIGHTS, our goal is to help make it a little easier. From beginning to end, here is everything you need to know about the LIGHTS program and how it can help you or a loved one find a place to call home.
Here with you each step of the way.
1
STARTING THE PROCESS
Start by meeting with a Facilitator to discuss you or your loved one’s eligibility and complete the initial consultation form.
2
CREATING A LIFE PLAN
With the help of a LIGHTS Facilitator, you will create a holistic plan for what your life will look like. Which neighbourhood you’d like to live in, renting or owning, and choosing roommates will all be considered. And families can begin networking with other like-minded families.
3
DETERMINING YOUR BUDGET
Next, a budget. Together with a LIGHTS Facilitator, you will outline your budget requirements, confirm existing funding, and determine how much you’re able to contribute. This is a work in progress and will be revisited when a partnership is being explored.
4
COMPLETING YOUR FUNDING PROPOSAL
For those who require it, we will help you complete and finalize your funding proposal and request funding from the LIGHTS Advisory Board.
5
BEGINNING YOUR NEW LIVING ARRANGEMENT
LIGHTS Facilitator works with the individual/family to help implement the new living arrangement that is outside of the family home.
THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY
2011
LIGHTS launched
OFFERING UP TO
$25,000
For up to 5 years per family
98%
Of donations go directly towards helping cover the costs of individualized living
In Her Own Words
Jenna shares the empowering story of finding a home of her own .
Growing up, I always thought I would have my own place. As I got older that seemed kind of hard, but four years ago the real journey to living on my own began.
I connected with a LIGHTS Facilitator, who helped me find roommates. We looked really hard, and eventually found an apartment in a neighborhood we liked, and that felt safe. It’s very close to the subway so that I can travel to work and see my other friends and family, and there are lots of stores nearby.
When I signed my name on the lease, I felt both happy and super nervous. Moving out was scary! But it was new and exciting as well, and made me feel even more confident and independent.
Our apartment looked beautiful because we all work hard to keep it clean and organized. I missed my parents a lot. And I knew that’s okay. I had them over for visits and I visited them too. But I really liked living in my own space.
I felt very proud of what I was able to do. I don’t think I would have been able to move out so soon without the support of LIGHTS—for not only me, but my roommates too. Thank you.
Help more people like Jenna find their independence—and their home.
“We knew that to be successful, we had to do at least two things differently.
We had to combine the resources of families, agencies, donors and government in a new, more efficient approach; and we had to empower people who have intellectual disabilities, so they can participate fully in their own futures.”
– Mary Pat Armstrong, LIGHTS Founder