Summerhouse is not in the Clear Lake area but might be accessible for those who commute into town to go to work. In addition, it might serve as a model for the creation of a similar organization in Clear Lake.
The Summerhouse conceptualized from a bi-monthly Saturday program with community outings and social activities emphasized on developing social skills and cultivating friendships among young adults with intellectual disabilities. On June 4, 2012, after countless Saturdays engaging in the community, The Summerhouse doors were opened full time by a small group of 4 volunteers and 6 clients with a very basic idea in mind: young adults with intellectual disabilities are deserving of highest quality programming available to enable them to become valued, respected, contributing members of society.
From the beginning, The Summerhouse has focused on providing young adults with a variety of options to obtain the skills necessary for a successful transition into independent adult life. The program’s beginnings as a social skills based program has naturally evolved into a full time daily educational program encompassing not only basic life skills, but functional academics, social and emotional skills, and vocational training focused on entry into community-based employment.
Today, young adults (post-high school) cam participate in daily programming focused on life, learning, and exploring with a small group of peers led by our professional staff. The Summerhouse philosophy is not only to equip each person with individualized skills that enable them to become productive citizens, but to do so in the midst of a conventional neighborhood setting. In this way, they are integrated into the daily life of the community.
The core program runs from 9am-3pm, with supervised activities from 7am-5pm each day.
Members attend Monday through Friday year round.