Mainstay - Proactively improving the health of people with developmental disabilities and the organizations that support them.

		Socialization Despite living in a community-based home with two to seven other individuals, people with developmental disabilities often experience isolation and loneliness. Several years ago, we hypothesized that one reason for this was that people with DD and direct support staff did not understand how to effectively use food as a vehicle for increased socialization and involvement in a neighborhood or community. Based on our implementation successes over several years and across multiple group homes (see Weight), we noticed that once people with DD lost weight and felt more comfortable with their appearance and their increased knowledge and skills surrounding cooking, nutrition and food, they were eager to embrace a broader circle. This resulted in hosting parties or potluck gatherings for friends and neighbors, and emulating experiences that mainstream individuals enjoy, such as making and sharing gumbo for a Mardi Gras party, salsa for a Super Bowl get together, and a crisp tossed salad for a 4th of July celebration. Other times, family members increasingly dropped in for customer-prepared dinners at the group home. Occasionally it meant cooking a favorite dish to bring to a holiday or informal get-together at a relative's house. One of the themes Mainstay continually reinforces is that food and meals are much more enjoyable when shared with others. Whether a backyard barbecue, baking cookies for neighbors during the holidays, or sharing the bounty of tomatoes grown in a new garden, Fiore™ promotes proven ideas to build sustainable, rich relationships with neighbors, family and friends. Basically, it works. Because of increased confidence instilled through Fiore initiatives, some consumers have become so adventurous as to enter (where they placed in the top rankings) local cooking competitions for mainstream individuals. The possibilities are boundless to use healthy food as a common thread to bind people with DD to a larger, more robust society. These opportunities are at the core of our program, and socialization is specifically addressed in our Out-and-About tip sheets and through our Celebration Guidelines. Click for Medical information. Click for Weight information.

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