Social & Life Skills Programs
Building Independence and Confidence for Individuals with Exceptional Needs and Unique Abilities
Cedar Bridge Foundation is committed to providing essential social and life skills support to individuals with exceptional needs, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Our programs, such as the BeYOUtiful Ladies Club, Hangout Guys, and social skills training workshops, are designed to foster personal growth, build confidence, and enhance the ability to navigate everyday interactions. These programs offer a safe and nurturing environment where participants can practice important skills like communication, decision-making, and relationship-building, all while forming meaningful friendships and engaging with their peers. Social and life skills are crucial for helping individuals thrive in social settings, workplaces, and personal relationships. By equipping our community members with these skills, Cedar Bridge Foundation ensures that they can confidently contribute to society and lead lives full of opportunity, connection, and growth.
BeYOUtiful Ladies Club
BeYOUtiful Ladies Club is a vibrant program designed specifically for women with exceptional needs, focusing on enhancing social and life skills through a variety of engaging activities. This club organizes outings such as ice cream socials, lunch dates, and shopping trips, along with workshops that address key personal development topics. Each event is an opportunity for members to practice social interactions in a supportive environment, fostering confidence and independence. These activities not only allow the ladies to enjoy fun and relaxation but also play a crucial role in developing essential life skills. Through the beYOUtiful Ladies Club, participants engage in real-world experiences that enhance their ability to communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and manage personal relationships. This program empowers each member to embrace their uniqueness, cultivate friendships, and thrive in their communities, reinforcing the foundation for a fulfilling and empowered life.
Hangout Guys
Hangout Guys is a dynamic social group at Cedar Bridge Foundation, specifically created for men with exceptional needs to come together, build friendships, and develop essential social and life skills. Through regular gatherings and community involvement, Hangout Guys offers a welcoming and supportive environment where members can engage in fun activities and outings. This program is important because it fosters a sense of belonging and provides a platform for individuals to practice effective communication, teamwork, and social interaction in real-world settings. By participating in Hangout Guys, members gain confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate social situations, all of which are crucial for enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. It’s not just about having fun—it’s about building connections and personal growth.
Life & Social Skills Training
Our Social and Life Skills Group is an innovative program designed to empower individuals with exceptional needs by enhancing their ability to navigate various aspects of daily life effectively. This group focuses on developing crucial skills such as effective communication, financial literacy, and problem-solving. By participating in this program, members will learn how to articulate their thoughts and needs clearly, manage their personal finances, and make informed decisions, all within a supportive community setting. The sessions are structured to provide practical, real-world applications of these skills, ensuring that each participant can apply what they learn in their day-to-day activities. The aim is not only to boost their independence and self-reliance but also to enhance their confidence in social settings, workplace environments, and personal relationships. This comprehensive approach helps members to build a robust foundation for a more successful and fulfilling life, contributing positively to their overall well-being and integration into society.
Vocational Coaching
Projected to start in 2026! Vocational and job coaching for adults with exceptional needs is one of Cedar Bridge Foundation’s emerging non-subsidized initiatives identified in our strategic plan. We are currently in the initial stage of this program, which includes conducting an employment readiness and interest survey among individuals with developmental disabilities; evaluating local business interest, readiness, and capacity to employ this population; and assessing philanthropic, donor-driven, volunteer-supported, and grant-funded solutions to sustain the program. This initiative reflects our commitment to developing sustainable, community-based services that promote long-term independence and meaningful employment. By focusing on key skill areas, such as decision-making, interpersonal communication, workplace etiquette, and task management, we aim to equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to succeed. Through this early program development, Cedar Bridge Foundation continues to lay the groundwork for impactful, inclusive pathways that expand opportunity and empower adults with exceptional needs to thrive.
Ambassador Program
The Ambassador Program is a dynamic initiative designed to foster community involvement and awareness for individuals with developmental disAbilities. Ambassadors are passionate members of the foundation with unique abilities who take on leadership roles to empower individuals through (self) advocacy, inclusion, and support. This program also facilitates social skills development and employment skills through hands-on training and a supportive environment. As representatives of the organization, ambassadors play a crucial role in spreading awareness, supporting events, and engaging the community in the organization’s mission. They lead by example, building community awareness, promoting our vision, advocating, and assisting with workshops and social activities, ensuring meaningful experiences for all participants. Ambassadors embody Cedar Bridge Foundation’s tagline, “Empowering People, Expanding Possibilities,” as they inspire change and foster an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
Help us build a better future...
With your contribution you can make a difference in the life of an. individuals with exceptional needs and unqiue abilities, such as Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc.
