Independence Prep

Independence Prep is open to students who:

• are currently in high school, a transition program or are a young adult not yet living independently
• have a developmental disability
• want to participate in the program
• can stay safe without 1:1 supervision
• can complete tasks without constant prompting
• do not have a recent history of self harm or violence towards others
• can manage their daily living activities independently
• can reliably and accurately communicate their needs
• can use basic technology
• can learn and retain skills

Independence Prep has been carefully designed to help students and families:

• build a foundation for independent living skill attainment and practice that is helpful for employment, college or independent living experiences,
• build a shared goal and vision for living independently, and
• increase excitement for and momentum towards living independently.

Independence Prep sessions focus on building social connections and independent living skills in a safe, supported and fun environment. Skill-building experiences include:

• personal management (getting up and ready independently, managing a schedule)
• home management (cleaning + organizing)
• health + wellness (self-care and coping strategies; meal planning + preparation)
• healthy relationships (teamwork; creating social connections)
• transportation (getting around the community)
• employment (communicating your needs and engaging with others; group etiquette)
• money management (the costs of living on your own)
• safety (staying safe in new environments)

If this describes what you're looking for, Independence Prep may be right for you!

Our next sessions of Independence Prep are:

• October 13 - 15, 2023
• January 19 - 21, 2024
• April 12 - 14, 2024

Independence Prep experiences are offered quarterly, with students welcome to join us for as many sessions as they'd like. Slight modifications are made to the agenda each quarter to ensure students are learning and reinforcing new skills each time they join us.

Read more about what's included in an Independence Prep session in the next drop down: 'How much does Independence Prep cost?'

Our academic-year sessions (October, January + April) cost:

• $500 for a single room
• $400 for a double room (as available)

The cost to participate includes:

• a two-night hotel stay
• all meals + light snacks
• activity materials
• expert-designed curriculum + lessons
• support from staff throughout the weekend

Our summer session (July) is an extended experience, offering a three-week day camp focused on building independent living, vocational and social skills, as well as our full weekend overnight experience. Summer sessions cost:

• $1,250 for both the day camp + overnight experience
• $1,000 for just the day camp
• $500 for just the overnight experience

Depending on the summer camp package you select above, the cost to participate may include:

• three weeks of day camp
• a two-night hotel stay
• all meals (lunch at the day camp + all meals for the overnight experience)
• activity + learning materials
• weekly field trips
• expert-designed curriculum + lessons
• 24/7 staffing

DISCOUNTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

• a $100 discount is offered to students who enroll in all three academic year (October, January + April) sessions.
• students currently attending an Oakland County public high school (9th - 12th grade) receive the following discounted pricing, thanks in part to generous funding from the United Way of Southeastern Michigan:
  • academic-year sessions (October, January + April): $250 per session
  • summer day camp + overnight experience: $625
  • summer day camp only: $500
• students attending a Title 1 school and receiving free lunch are eligible for a full scholarship for academic-year sessions (October, January + April) from the McFawn Family Scholarship Fund. To be considered for a scholarship, please note your interest on the Independence Prep application form. A $50 application deposit is NOT required if applying for the scholarship.

Our application process involves the following steps:

• First, complete our online application form here.
  • At the same time you complete your application, please submit your $50 non-refundable application fee (click the button on the application page to be brought to our payment page.) Do not submit a $50 application fee if you're also applying for the McFawn Family Scholarship Fund.
• Once we receive your online application and application fee, we'll contact you to schedule a 1-hour skills assessment and 30-minute family interview.
• Once your skills assessment and interview are complete and we've been able to confirm you meet our eligibility criteria, you'll receive an official acceptance to Independence Prep!

To learn more, contact Director of Education Emily Lourim at emily@onmyownofmi.org or (248) 649-3739 x 221.