Description:Each of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) Day Services programs offers a unique experience geared toward the specific goals of our individuals. All programs are designed to ensure self-determined choices, foster independence, productivity and individual development in safe, respectful and secure environments. Day Habilitation:Designed to assist individuals to acquire, retain and improve their socialization and adaptive skills, including communication, travel and other areas in adult education. Activities and environments are designed to foster the development of skills and greater independence, community inclusion, relationship building, self-advocacy and informed choice. Additionally, opportunities range from self-identified recreation activities for skills development, including music and art, health and well being, work readiness, meaningful activities, and a multitude of community-based experiences and volunteer opportunities. Offers day habilitation, prevocational and other programs at Saddle Rock Ranch, a beautiful 14-and-a-half-acre property in Middle Island. Individuals react positively when an animal is involved; and relationships formed with horses can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The Theater Day Habilitation and Prevocational program focuses on skills development related to the theater arts, including socialization, communication, singing, music, dance, production and backstage development, community performances, and self-determined areas of interest within the visual arts spectrum. Community-Based Integrated Day Habilitation Offers an exciting alternative to center-based programs. Participants take part in a variety of volunteer, recreational and social experiences based upon preferences and self-identified areas of skill development. Similar to day habilitation, each participant has a Habilitation Plan that details desired outcomes, which are translated into program services. Fancy FREE Offers individuals a unique opportunity to learn a variety of skills working hands-on in all aspects of retail in FREE’s store. Individuals work behind the scenes creating handcrafted items for sale, and gain valuable technical and social skills by working the register and interacting with customers. Others track inventory, perform maintenance tasks, stock shelves and create displays. Over the course of the day, participants rotate from job to job based on their individual interests, abilities and personal goals. Ultimately, individuals strive to achieve their highest level of community integration and competitive employment.Saddle Rock Ranch These programs address the needs and choices of the individuals participating. After therapeutic riding, agriculture is the most popular activity. Staff and participants plant, maintain and harvest vegetables and flowers in the garden greenhouse overlooking the Ranch. In addition, we offer experience in animal care (such as daily feeding of small animals), pet therapy, and training in skills associated with operating a bed and breakfast facility.Respite Programs After-school respite offers school-aged children and adults with developmental disabilities opportunities for recreation and socialization while receiving support and supervision from trained staff. In most cases, school children can be transported by bus from their schools to this program. FREE also operates specialty, weekend and evening respite programs in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, which offer socialization and recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities. The programs also specialize in working with children and adults who have autism.