Community Living
Independent Living
MARC Community Resources offers a wide range of residential supports. MARC promotes independent living through residential programs designed to recognize and value each persons’ choice, as well as support their individual needs. Our goal is to help the individuals we work with live with dignity in comfortable, community settings. Respect, quality of life, and community involvement play significant roles in achieving this goal. MARC focuses on empowering individuals to manage how they live, the relationships they have, the work they do, and the activities they participate in.
Community Living Arrangement (CLA)
Community Living Arrangement (CLA) is a licensed group home that offers people with I/DD the opportunity to live in community housing. In this setting, we provide 24 hours support empowering residents to be independent, to assist with household chores, and to have a voice in the activities and plans the house members engage in. Everyone has their own bedroom and is encouraged to decorate it how they see fit. MARC operates 5 CLAs within Middlesex County. MARC utilizes assistive and adaptive technology to aid in furthering independence.


Continuous Residential Supports (CRS)
Continuous Residential Supports (CRS) is similar to the above-described CLA in that it has 24-hour supports and residents are empowered to be participative in household management and activity selection. The primary difference is that residents of the CRS hold the lease directly with the landlord, while in a CLA, MARC owns the property. Staff assist residents with money management and paying their rent and bills.
Individualized Residential Supports
Individualized Residential Supports offers support services in individuals’ private homes to ensure ongoing independence. Some people live with family members, parents, or roommates in an apartment or condo. Regardless of the style of home or with whom they live, MARC staff will come to the home and provide whatever support services are needed to ensure success. It may range from money management to shopping or social outings to daily living skills.
Community Companion Home (CCH)
Community Companion Home (CCH) model offers a family setting to people with intellectual disabilities. Families of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and compositions are sought for the best possible match. The family, licensed through the state of Connecticut, by passing background checks, obtaining references, and completing training, interviews, and home studies, allows for individuals to live with families that are ready for this commitment and care. A CCH is not a group home; it’s a family that shares their home with an individual who is eligible for services from the department.
MARC is happy to work with families, individuals, and guardians to find the right living arrangement for you. We’ve had success with Community Companion homes, shared living, and other creative solutions. Come and talk to us, and we’ll help you identify the best solution for your needs.
Resources:
https://portal.ct.gov/DDS/Family/Supports-and-Services/Community-Living-Services
https://portal.ct.gov/DDS/General/CCH/Community-Companion-Homes-CCH
