Futures Explored
Creating Inclusive Futures for All
A WORLD WHERE INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, ARE INCLUDED, AND ARE EMPOWERED TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS.
Led by the choices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Futures Explored creates equitable access to relevant programs, supports, and advocacy.
Our programs and services include:
Community Connections
Employment + Education
Film + Media
Personal Wellness
Our story began on January 6, 1964 in Lafayette, California, with a small group of young adults, their parents and the founding Director, Helen Young. At that time we were called the “Enterprise.”
The group included six individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities who made hand-crafted items for sale and the program was staffed mostly by volunteer parents. At the time there were few, if any, programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities. Decades later, we are proud of the impact we’ve made on thousands of lives across Northern California.
Community Connections
FUTURES CONNECTIONS CENTRAL + EAST
Supports individuals in small groups to be engaged and contributing members in their communities. The program calendar is dynamic and includes opportunities for social/recreational activities; personal connections; volunteerism; advocacy and self expression; health and wellness; and independent living skills, among many other opportunities. Connections Central is located in Concord, and Connections East is in Antioch.
THE ARTIST’S DEN
An art gallery and studio where guidance is given to studio artists as a way to acquire new skills and generate income using creative exploration. The Den provides a means of self-expression and empowerment in a supportive environment where artists feel comfortable to try new techniques and interests. Located in downtown Concord.
AFTERNOON CLUB
Offers additional services to families whose son/daughter needs support until their primary caregiver gets home. Focuses on participants’ desires and abilities to be involved in the community.
GO GROUP LIVERMORE
Designed for people who want to be on the go. Provides support and encouragement for individuals to participate in activities such as employment and volunteerism, education on college campuses, travel training to independently access their communities, exercise and health, skills for independence, including money management, cooking, etc., and health and safety preparation.
LIFE (LEARNING INDEPENDENCE, FINDING ENGAGEMENT)
Supports individuals to build and maintain fulfilling and engaging community connections. Whether it’s volunteering, learning a new hobby, or simply hanging out with a friend, LIFE helps our participants “get a life.” Located in Davis and Yolo County.
Employment + Education
EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (ETP)
This is a short-term program designed to provide participants with the skills, tools, and hands-on experience needed to gain competitive and integrated employment. In this program, participants will be supported to identify their desired job or career, hands-on learning and experience which will give skills necessary to be successful in that career, and job search support to get a job! Located in the East Bay and Sacramento.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
This program supports participants to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment in the field of their choice. Participants receive individualized on-the-job coaching, including: full-time support through the training process that fades as the job and skills needed are learned; ongoing supports include advocacy with management; interpersonal skills in the workplace; learning new or additional work tasks; managing stress. Provided in Contra Costa, Alameda, Yolo, and Sacramento counties.
TAILORED DAY SERVICE
Support for individuals to choose and customize their day services in job exploration, job development, volunteer jobs, paid jobs, college, social skills, micro-enterprise, and health and safety, and to increase their ability to lead integrated and inclusive lives. Provided in Contra Costa, Alameda, Yolo, and Sacramento counties.
Film + Media
FUTURES EXPLORED FILM + MEDIA STUDIOS
A vocational program designed to provide working knowledge of film production and then build upon those skills with continuing studio participation. The curriculum moves beyond classroom instruction and offers the individual real-world practical experience. By combining film history and theory with the “studio that teaches” experience, the goal is to prepare the individual to make entertaining, commercially viable and purposeful films. Students in the program can gain experience through work with Futures Films and/or through the Paid Internship Program. Located in Livermore, Sacramento and Stockton. For information about our current virtual film class sessions, contact [email protected].
JOEY TRAVOLTA’S SHORT FILM CAMP
The Joey Travolta Short Film camp offers individuals the educational opportunity to learn the process of making a short film under the guidance and instruction of Joey Travolta and his professional teaching and film crew. The day camp is available for individuals ages 10-22 and takes campers through a step-by-step process of making a film, with emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, while learning the following skills: pre/post production, acting, directing, editing, technical support, and camera filming.
FUTURES FILMS
A production company that provides professional video services across Northern California. Futures Films is an inclusive business, and hires many crew members who are graduates of the Film & Media Studio programs. Futures Films works with clients to provide high-quality video services at competitive prices. For more, visit: futuresfilms.org
INCLUSION NETWORKS
This first of its kind subscription-based online channel features content from talented filmmakers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inclusion Networks subscribers enjoy updated content every two weeks with a monthly subscription cost of $5.99. Inclusion Networks uses Vimeo as its online video-sharing platform. For more information and to subscribe, visit: Inclusion Networks.
Personal Wellness
ALIVE EAST
Designed around participant choice and community activities, including: working and volunteering in the community, being active on disability boards and advocating at the State level, or simply enjoying the community. There are also opportunities for small group activities where skills such as personal empowerment, individual creativity and relationship building are developed. Provides personal care and support with meals, medications and personal wellness. We are providing zoom and in-person services as we continue to secure a location.
FUTURES ALIVE (NEW!)
This is a new program that includes frequent trips into the community, but also allows for extended use of the program facility daily. Located in Concord.
GARDEN BRENTWOOD AND GARDEN TRI-VALLEY
Designed for individuals requiring supportive assistance who may also have medical needs. The program works to have participants engaged in a variety of activities, including sensory and stimulation activities and community activities based on the participants individual desires and needs. The program employs a Registered Nurse that trains and certifies staff in providing medical care and support during the program day. In-home services are provided to individuals in their homes due to specific health needs that do not allow them to be served at a location. Located in Brentwood and Livermore.
IN-HOME DAY SERVICES
Provides 1:1 and 1:2 support for individuals with significant medical needs who are unable to travel to program locations. Staff provide daily activities such as music, sensory stimulation and community outings. Offered in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.