The overall goal of this home is to provide a living environment that maximizes the client’s abilities to reach their greatest potential. Community integration is the corner stone of programming for the clients living in Chileda’s Adult Family home. Depending on the client’s individual service plan, community integration could include participating in community, religious or cultural events and activities, vocational opportunities, and recreational and leisure activities. The home is situated in an area that offers a wide variety of community engagement resources to include grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and libraries. The Onalaska YMCA, Aquatic Center and Omni Center are all 2 miles from the home. The city of La Crosse is 6 miles from the home and offers even more opportunity for community engagement. Each client will be given the opportunity to be an active member of their community by participating in activities that meet their identified goals.
Adult Family Homes
In 2022, Chileda Institute, Inc. opened its’ first adult family home. The adult family home is licensed to serve up to three men or women aged 18 years or older with developmental disabilities, mental illness and/or dually diagnosed. This home, situated in Onalaska, Wisconsin is a split-level home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, laundry facilities, a full kitchen and dining room, and living room. The house is equipped to accommodate non-ambulatory individuals with considerations.
Each client will have a goal-oriented Individual Service Plan that will be developed and reviewed with the client, AFH Manger, interdisciplinary team, guardians, families and others involved in their lives.
Providing transportation to community activities will be a collaborative effort between the client’s parent/guardian and the Adult Family Home staff. If transportation is provided by staff, a company owned and insured vehicle will be utilized.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Chileda’s Adult Family Home (AFH)?
Chileda’s Adult Family Home (AFH) serves adults with developmental disabilities who require higher levels of support due to complex needs. Our mission is to identify and provide the structure and support necessary to teach essential life skills that improve quality of life. We emphasize social-behavioral skill development, self-advocacy, and decision-making to enhance each client’s overall quality of life.
What is Chileda’s Adult Family Home philosophy?
Our philosophy centers on creating a living environment where clients can reach their greatest potential. Community integration is the cornerstone, with clients encouraged to participate in community, cultural, religious, vocational, recreational, and leisure activities. All services are tailored to individual needs and designed in collaboration with the client, their guardian, and professional staff to foster a meaningful, functional, and rewarding daily experience.
Who do we serve?
Chileda’s AFH serves individuals aged 18 and over with cognitive delays and interfering behaviors. Our population often includes individuals with multiple diagnoses such as: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) speech/communication disorders, motor disorders, mood disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI), trauma/stress-related disorders, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), attention, deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) and seizure disorders. Residency is subject to family home availability.
Tell me more about Chileda’s AFH?
Chileda’s AFH is a 3-bedroom home and is licensed under Wisconsin’s DHS 88 administrative code, which governs safety, staffing, resident rights, and care standards for Adult Family Homes. The home provides 24/7 support to adults with developmental disabilities and complex behavioral needs.
Our AFH is designed for individuals who require a high level of structure and support due to interfering behaviors. We focus on helping clients build daily living skills, promote community integration, and improve overall quality of life through individualized programming. Clients participate in structured routines, community outings, meal preparation, and therapeutic activities aligned with their Individual Service Plans (ISP) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP).
The home is equipped with visual supports, communication tools, and sensory accommodations tailored to each client’s needs. A team of trained staff provide round-the-clock supervision, ensuring a safe, caring, and consistent environment that respects each client’s dignity and choices.
How are services paid for?
Services are reimbursed through contracts with Wisconsin Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
How important is parent/guardian involvement?
Active involvement from guardians plays a critical role in the success of services and has a meaningful impact on the client’s progress and life decisions. As key advocates, parents and caregivers help shape goals, support skill development, and promote quality of life. Their consistent engagement increases the likelihood of long-term success.
What makes Chileda Adult Family Home different?
Chileda’s AFH provides individualized, person-centered programming designed to help each client thrive within the Adult Family Home and broader community. Our highly trained and compassionate team specializes in supporting individuals during challenging behaviors, always focusing on the client’s strengths, goals, and sense of purpose. We are deeply committed to continuous staff growth and development to ensure the highest quality of support for every client and family we serve. Our goal is to provide quality care and meaningful purpose for the duration of an adult’s life.
