A Day Habilitation Service provides focus on the development of a person's independence, individuality, and directs activities toward inclusion in the community. If an individual is in need of services outside of the vocational venue, or is looking for training to enhance their vocational aspirations, day services may offer them the prerequisites they need. Participants in Day Habilitation volunteer at local hospitals and nursing homes, exercise at local gyms and are actively involved community members by participating in gardening projects, “Meals on Wheels” and “Adopt-A-Highway.” Through these activities as well as through tours of local businesses, participants can also learn about potential new career paths.

The Dutchess ARC Day Habilitation department also oversees the recently formed Dayhab Without Walls, or Dayhab WOW program.  This allows youth and active seniors the opportunity to become more involved in community projects through volunteer initiatives and recreational outings.  Created in December 2005, the program has been ever-expanding, and currently boasts over 30 members that have logged over 2,000 volunteer man hours in 2007 alone.  Participants deliver meals through the Dutchess County Office of the Aging Meal Delivery Program, volunteer in the Central Sterile Unit at Vassar Brothers Hospital, participate in RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) and enjoy exercising at Planet Fitness in Hyde Park, New York.  In addition to giving back to the community, Dayhab WOW enjoys reguar recreational outings to the many historic sites in Dutchess County, visiting area college campuses, and enjoying additional entertainment, such as plays and the latest movies to hit the box office.  Dayhab WOW has three groups that attend various outings and volunteer in the community regularly, with members rotating participation based on availability.

For more information call (845) 471-8876 x115, or e-mail us at info@dutchess-arc.org.