Supported Independent Living (SIL)

LIFE serves over 100 individuals in Supported Independent Living (SIL) communities located south of Boston in Plymouth and on Cape Cod in Hyannis and Mashpee, Massachusetts.

Each community is in a safe neighborhood with access to public transportation, job opportunities, and fun things to do. Participants in our supported independent living (SIL) communities live on their own or with a roommate and receive between 2 to 15 hours of support a week. LIFE communities feature a common area, fitness facilities, weekly social activities, and emergency on-call staff.

Candidates for a Supported Independent Living community are 18+ year old adults, have a history of intellectual disability or autism, demonstrate independent living skills, such as home-alone safety, the ability to cook, clean, manage money and to self-medicate with minimal support.

The successful SIL individual will be involved in a work or volunteer job and participate in LIFE social and fitness activities. Our professional staff and LIFE Coaches help develop independent living skills and a healthy lifestyle with support services. We do this in partnership with families while honoring the human rights of the adults we serve.

At LIFE, we provide behavioral support services that are meaningful, practical, and designed to improve quality of life. Learn about Clinical Services. 

“Since moving to the LIFE program, Cameron’s life has truly been transformed. As his parent, there is nothing more rewarding than watching him grow into a happier, more confident, and independent young man.

One of the most wonderful changes has been seeing how social he has become.  With the unwavering support, patience, and encouragement of his incredible staff, Cameron has built meaningful friendships, learned how to navigate relationships with his peers, and gained the confidence to embrace new opportunities, including participating in the Special Olympics—something we never imagined he would have the confidence to do.

Every time we visit, we see a young man who is thriving.  He is more independent, self-sufficient, and willing to try new things than ever before.  The growth we’ve witnessed over the past year has exceeded all of our expectations.“

Amy Whiteside, LIFE parent

Explore residential services:

LIFE Coaches & Direct Care

LIFE staff provides support in all areas of independent living, including assistance and education on healthy meal planning, grocery shopping, and money management practices.

Supported Employment

A fulfilling job is an important component of living a meaningful life. It provides a sense of purpose while offering a much-needed routine and structure. At LIFE, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to answer the question, “So what do you do for a living?”

Healthy LIFEstyle

Our fitness and wellness program focuses on an active LIFEstyle, nutrition, mindfulness, and group recreational activities. Each community has a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and a full-time certified fitness coach. LIFE also has the largest and most successful Special Olympics program in Massachusetts.

Social LIFE

Almost every day of the week, there is an activity such as men’s and ladies’ clubs, rec night, dance parties, community meal, and more. Making and maintaining friendships is important, and these group activities create an ideal environment for a fulfilling social life.

Clinical Services

At LIFE, we provide behavioral support services that are meaningful, practical, and designed to improve quality of life. Our services are delivered in natural environments—where individuals live, work, and engage in community life—so skills can be learned and maintained in real-world settings.