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Independent Living Skills (ILS)

Helping adults with disabilities achieve the dream of living on their own.

We provide skills training for adults who live independently or who are preparing to live on their own.  


Person-Centered
Services

We empower people to set and reach their own goals and make choices...

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Our
Staff

Each client is matched with a worker who helps the person to reach their goals.

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Skills
Training

One-on-one support to build skills such as paying bills and budgeting...

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Housing
Assistance

We provide guidance with finding housing....

Read More

Community
Activities

We help our clients pursue hobbies, enjoy meaningful free time...

Read More

Social Activities and Healthy Relationships

Our social gatherings are one of the highlights of our ILS program...

Read More

Answering Your Key Questions

How many hours will I get?

Hours are based on each individual’s needs and abilities, and are determined by the client’s Regional Center Service Coordinator. People who live independently usually receive between 10-40 hours/month.  People who live with family generally receive fewer hours (usually around 12-15 hours/month) as the family is considered a natural support.

How does the funding work?

Services are authorized and funded by the Regional Center. Regional Center contracts with HGH to fund a certain number of hours for each client on a monthly basis.

Do you help with housing?

We can help to find and secure housing and provide support with roommate matching. Unfortunately we do not offer housing or rental assistance funding at this time.

Do you provide transportation?

Staff can provide transportation in their personal vehicles when needed, although wheelchair-accessible transportation cannot be guaranteed. Any time that is spent transporting clients is deducted from the authorized hours.  Program participants are encouraged and supported to use public transportation whenever possible.

Can parents and family members help to determine the client’s goals?

HGH utilizes a person-centered framework, with the program participant at the center of everything we do. This means that program participants lead the services by identifying the goals that they want to work on and what kind of support they need to get there.  We recognize the importance of family in each individual’s life and strive to work together as a circle of support around the person.

What other services does HGH offer? Can I receive more than 1 service from HGH?

HGH often serves people in multiple programs.  Whether receiving several services at the same time or when transitioning from one HGH program to another, we will provide the support you need.  Please see our service pages for information about all our programs.  For more specific information or additional questions, contact us at 619-938-2850 or info@guidinghands.org.

If you have questions or need more information about the ILS program,
please contact Lindsey Espinosa at lindseyk@guidinghands.org or 619-938-2874.

If you are interested in receiving ILS services from HGH,
contact your Service Coordinator.

Learn About Our Tailored Day Program

Learn More

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Call us: (619) 938-2850 Email us: info@guidinghands.org Our location: 1908 Friendship Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020
Tax ID: 95-6058273


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Social Activities & Healthy Relationships

Our social gatherings are one of the highlights of our ILS program!  We like to have fun together by holding activities such as parties, cooking classes, game nights, birthday celebrations, and more.  These activities are great opportunities to practice social skills and build relationships.

Community Activities

We help our clients pursue hobbies, enjoy meaningful free time, and build relationships.  This fosters a healthy support network and leads to a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Housing Assistance

We provide guidance with finding housing.  (Unfortunately, we do not have rental properties.)  We also help with tasks such as roommate-matching, setting up utilities, and accessing resources (Section 8, SDRC Rental Assistance, SDG&E discounts, etc.)

Skills Training

One-on-one support to build skills such as: 

  • Paying bills and budgeting
  • Grocery shopping
  • Cooking and meal preparation
  • Accessing medical and dental services
  • Laundry
  • Accessing benefits (Medi-Cal/MediCare, Social Security, Section 8)
  • Safety
  • Healthy relationships
Our Staff

Each client is matched with a worker who helps the person to reach their goals.  We hire qualified and caring staff who must pass a thorough fingerprinting and background-check process before being hired.

Person-Centered Services

We empower people to set and reach their own goals and make choices about their own lives. Our clients are equal partners in deciding what their services look like.