Community Services Department

The Community Services Department provides services in consumers homes throughout the Dubuque area. This program is able to provide a high degree of flexibility for each unique situation depending upon the level of support each consumer needs.

Trained professional staff offers instruction to consumers on a variety of topics, including cleaning, cooking, personal hygiene, shopping, budgeting, community integration, and other daily living skills. Staff supervision ranges from 24 hours a day to minimal support, which could be only one hour a month, depending upon the needs of each individual. The department works with every consumer to develop individualized life plans that outline personal goals and needs. These life plans are developed annually with a team consisting of the individual served, their parents and/or guardians, the case manager, and other agency staff as appropriate. Each team outlines plans and programs to ensure that the consumer’s goals and needs are being met. 

The department operates agency-owned apartment buildings, including a 16-unit building that opened in the fall of 2004. All agency-owned residences are conveniently located with easy access to transportation, grocery stores, and other shopping centers.  All agency-owned buildings are secure and safe.

The Community Services Department also provides supported employment options to assist businesses to hire individuals with disabilities.  The agency then provides training and support for the consumer at that business for as long as mutually agreed upon by the individual and employer. 

For more information about the supported employment services please see the Vocational Services Page.