Earlier this week I shared a blog with you titled 3 Things You Need to Know About Community Integration. In the blog, I defined community as:
“a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”
I love this definition because it holds clues for how we can best support individuals who receive home and community-based services.
Clue #1: “a feeling of fellowship” – This clue indicates that there is an emotional side to “community”; which means that we need to support individuals to connect in ways that are meaningful.
Clue #2: “with others” – This clue indicates that “community” is not just a geographical location. “Community” involves other people. Therefore, bringing an individual on an “outing” (i.e. moving a person’s body from one location to another) does NOT, by itself, meet the definition of community. Our role is to help facilitate those connections “with others.”
Clue #3: “common attitudes, interests, and goals” – This clue indicates HOW we achieve “community”; which is by finding others who have similar attitudes, interests, and goals.
Next week I will share five additional things you should know about Community.