Guided Independent Living Assessment (GILA)
This six-week program gives young adults with disabilities in Wichita, Kansas, the chance to try independent living in a controlled environment.
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Independent Living Program for Young Adults With Disabilities
For young adults with disabilities and their parents/caregivers, living independently comes with greater concerns than it does for non-disabled adults. These concerns often keep people at home after reaching adulthood and can prevent them from achieving their independence goals.
CPRF’s Guided Independent Living Assessment (GILA) program gives young adults with disabilities the chance to try independent living in a safe environment. Participants gain experience living at The Timbers — an accessible apartment community owned by CPRF.
The Timbers is located at 2021 North Old Manor Road in Wichita, Kansas.
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An Opportunity to Try Independent Living
Each six-week session includes four participants who reside at The Timbers in two fully furnished, two-bedroom apartments. The program also includes a mentor who lives at The Timbers. The mentor can provide general tips for daily living and forming relationships.
The GILA program measures readiness for independent living and lays a foundation of basic skills. By the end of the program, participants should have an increased awareness of how to live on their own and a plan for community living and participation.
Program Objectives
The GILA program:
- Addresses the need for a methodology that measures the readiness of individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community
- Provides individualized and group instruction to address skills gaps
- Creates personalized plans for future independent living
This program will:
- Assess the readiness of participants to live independently in the community
- Provide an immersive independent living experience
- Create a plan for community living and participation
Assessments consist of:
- Using public transportation
- Safety at home and in the community
- Cooking and housekeeping
- Financial management and planning
- Building healthy relationships and communication
- Self-care (wellness, emotional management, etc.)
Resources & Forms
GILA Program Application
This is a fillable application packet for the GILA program. Applications require a physical signature (no digital signatures).
To apply:
- Print, complete and sign the application. You can either scan the completed application and submit it online via our Contact page, or mail it to 5111 E 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67208.
- For questions, please call (316) 688-1888.
GILA Fact Sheet
Learn more about GILA program highlights, training and admissions criteria.
Program Partners
This program was created with the Wichita State University College of Applied Studies Intervention Services and Leadership in Education (ISLE) Department through the A.R.I.S.E. Research Collaborative.
This program is funded in part by United Way.
Success Stories
CPRF clients are building community and independence every day. Experience their wins — or share your own — on the Stories page.