(424)488-1124

Empowering Independence, Enriching Lives.

We help adults with disabilities gain the skills they need to live independently and confidently.

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Our Services

Laundry Training

Grocery Shopping Skills

Banking & Finances

Transportation Support

Mission Statement

At Essential Life Skills, our mission is to empower adults, 18 years and above with developmental disabilities by providing comprehensive, individualized support services that promote independence, personal growth, and community integration. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to live a fulfilling, self-sustaining life, guided by their own choices and aspirations. Our dedication to excellence, collaboration, and person-centered care ensures that each participant receives the necessary tools and resources to achieve their highest potential and become valued members of their community.

Vision Statement

At Essential Life Skills, our vision is to create a community where individuals with developmental disabilities are empowered to make their own decisions, build meaningful relationships, and live independently with dignity and respect.

Why Confidently Choose Us

Compassionate Guidance

We provide caring and understanding support, ensuring every individual feels valued and respected while learning essential life skills.

Practical Training

Hands-on learning that builds real-life skills, from managing laundry and groceries to banking, finances, and transportation.

Empowering Independence

Helping adults with disabilities gain the confidence and ability to live more independently and achieve their personal goals.

Respect & Dignity

We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness—because independence begins with acceptance.

Service Hours and Holiday Schedule

Essential Life Skills operates on a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the consumers while ensuring consistency and reliability we work hours as needed. 

Holiday Schedule:

Essential Life Skills observes the following federal holidays:
  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day and day after
  • Christmas Day
  • Washington's B-Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Veterans Day 
  • Columbus Day

Regular Service Hours:

Serves are available Monday through Friday, from “8:00 AM” to “10:00 PM”.  

Entrance Criteria

Entrance Criteria

Essential Life Skills provides Independent Living Services for adults with qualifying developmental disabilities referred by regional center service coordinators. The program serves individuals who may face challenges such as poor money management, unsafe community behaviors, disruptive tendencies, or uncooperative behaviors. Essential Life Skills does not deny services based solely on the nature or severity of a disability or behavior. Acceptance into the program is based on a thorough review of the individual’s information, interviews, and the program’s ability to meet their needs.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be referred to by a regional center service coordinator.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must express a preference for independent living during the IPP process, either directly or through their advocate.
  • Individuals can live in family home or in their own home.
  • Must have a developmental disability as defined by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
  • Entrance processes are initiated within 5 business days of receiving a referral and completed within 30 days.

Program Training and What will be Offered

Shopping in Natural Environments

Teaching individuals how to navigate local grocery stores and markets, including budgeting, making smart purchasing decisions,and understanding product labels. This helps develop critical decision-making skills necessary for food management.

Menu Planning

Instructing individuals on how to plan meals based on dietary needs, preferences, budgeting, and available resources. This includes understanding nutrition and creating balanced meal plans.

Meal Preparation

Providing hands-on training for cooking and food safety, including techniques for preparing healthy meals, understanding cooking equipment, and managing meal prep time efficiently

Use of Public Transportation

Guiding individuals in navigating local transitoptions, reading schedules, planning trips, and understanding costs. This fosters independence and mobility, enabling them to access work, school, or social activities.

Home and Community Safety

Teaching safety protocols for both home and community settings, including fire safety, emergency preparedness, and personal safety practices. This empowers individuals to avoid dangerous situations and know how to respond to emergencies.

Community Resources

Familiarizing individuals with local services, such as police, fire departments, and emergency services. Knowledge of how to contact and utilize these resources are key to personal safety and well-being.

Use of Medical and Dental Services

Educating participants on how to navigate healthcare systems, such as scheduling appointments, understanding health insurance, and maintaining personal health records, promotes proactive health management.

Recreation & Independence in Nature

Encouraging individuals to engage in recreational activities that promote wellness and socialization, including outdoor experiences and community events. Participation in such activities enhances quality of life and fosters social networks.

Personal Health and Hygiene

Teaching habits related to personal care and hygiene is essential for health and self-esteem. This includes daily routines, grooming, and understanding the importance of cleanliness.

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