The Vocational and Leisure Services (VLS) program represents a unique blend of leisure and vocational services that meet the diverse needs of participants with developmental or mental health related disabilities. The program provides opportunities to learn skills in five domains: community integration, vocational training, social, self-care, and leisure/recreation. VLS staff is committed to empowering participants in each of their unique circumstances through the encouragement and support of individual choice and independence. The goal is for participants to understand the benefits and consequences of having the power of choice and making their own decisions.

The VLS program specializes in enabling participants to make their own decisions with regard to their needs and goals, thereby determining their own scheduled activities. Throughout the year participants meet with their support system (including Janet Pomeroy Center leaders, social worker or parents) to assess their progress, and discuss and set their goals for the year. This process creates the opportunity for each participant to receive services that are customized to meet their individual needs and abilities. Participants choose among a wide variety of opportunities that may include volunteer work, vocational training, paid work, and a wide variety of recreational activities.

Other program activities compliment the core goals of VLS participant service plans. Travel training and regular practice is an important component of participant independence. In addition, participants are encouraged to work with VLS specialists to learn basic academic skills. After assessing participants' current functioning, specialists offer the appropriate level of assistance from writing one's name to figuring a monthly budget, or filling out job applications and timesheets. Participants also keep journals and make weekly entries that catalog their progress by writing, taking pictures, and drawing. Enrichment classes that are offered to participants include cooking skills, current events and health and safety.

By accepting each participant's uniqueness, gifts, and talents, and by fostering peer friendships, a strong sense of personal pride and unity among participants has resulted from the VLS program.

Paid work opportunities include:

• Mail Assembly Services
• Flyer Distribution
• Janitorial Services
• Laundry Services
• Design Projects
• Food Services
• Gardening and Landscape Maintenance Services

Recreation and Leisure opportunities include:

• Adventure Trips
• Adapted Sports/Exercise
• Power Yoga
• Drama Therapy
• Meaningful Art
• Shopping Outings
• Cooking Class
• Monthly BBQs