Category – Life Blog

Recently, as a resident in the Mashpee SIL program, I had the privilege of sitting down with individuals from CBDS — Community Based Day Services — in Plymouth and the site supervisor, Sarah Rogers. LIFE’s other CBDS program is located in Sandwich. CBDS is a day-based program for adults with disabilities.

Unlike the SIL — Supported Independent Living — programs that exist in Mashpee, Hyannis, and Plymouth the program is not a residential one. Instead, CBDS provides support for individuals during the day to practice social, vocational, and interpersonal skills in group settings and in the community. 

The goal of CBDS is to support these individuals in preparation to integrate into the community; but staff also provide soft skills such as time management, improving self-care, and learning new coping skills. They also do hands-on skills such as how to build a resume and practice mock interviews. The employment counselors at CBDS continue these skills on a regular basis one-on-one with individuals. Many of the CBDS folks do get support on the days they spend at the program.

CBDS individuals spend a lot of time working on different volunteer projects throughout the community. They visit Meals on Wheels four times a week, and go to the food pantry at the Plymouth Public Library. Individuals also enjoy going to the Black Feather Horse Rescue, a non-profit organization located in Plymouth.

Sarah R. says she hopes to find more opportunities to volunteer at food pantries. Tom P. is eager for more volunteer opportunities for himself and his peers. He also says one of his favorite activities at CBDS is going to the Black Feather Horse Rescue. Allie M. enjoys any of the volunteer opportunities she does with CBDS, especially Meals on Wheels; she says she enjoys getting out into the community.

In addition to volunteering, individuals also get to go on nature walks at World’s End. It’s a 251-acre non-profit park located in Hingham beginning on April 4^th. There are invasive species of plants that are grown there, and the CBDS individuals have an opportunity to pick the weeds.

“The staff are helpful, fun, friendly, and open-minded.” Says Allie. CBDS is a good alternative for individuals who do not seek out a residential setting, but are looking for a safe, fun, and supportive environment to learn and practice skills to grow in their independence.

Jacob M. attends the CBDS in Sandwich. Since working with his life coaches there, as well as his employment counselor, Rose Johnson, Jacob has found pride in his new position with Advantage Solutions as a demo professional. He uses the skills practiced in the program and applies it to his work.

To learn more information about CBDS, contact Stephanie Cappella, Assistant Director of Community Supports, Employment and Community Based Day Services, email [email protected] or call 774-247-0221.