LIFE SKILLS

At Lumen, young adults build essential life skills for independence through two key approaches: guided learning with their coaches and practical, real-world application. Our participants gain hands-on experience in areas like social communication, financial literacy, executive functioning, time management, and organizational strategies. Beyond just discussing the value of these skills, Lumen creates opportunities for clients to actively practice them in everyday situations, with consistent support and encouragement from our mentoring team.

Nutrition:

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. At Lumen, young adults receive guidance on understanding the value of well-balanced meals and how to take ownership of their dietary choices. They learn how to develop weekly meal plans, manage a food budget, and create shopping lists tailored to their needs. Regular grocery trips offer hands-on opportunities for coaching, as staff support participants in navigating the store and preparing for meals based on their planned menus.

Budget:

Lumen participants also receive support and instruction in creating and maintaining a personal budget. All spending and expenses are closely tracked with the help of Lumen coaches, who provide ongoing oversight and guidance. Young adults are expected to take responsibility for their finances by staying within their budget and submitting receipts for all purchases.

Self-Regulation:

Participants also develop strategies for managing their emotions and behaviors. With guidance from their support team, they are given a safe and structured environment to practice responding to challenging situations and regulating their reactions to stress or sensory overload.