For information regarding admission into our services, please email Ramona Kauk, Director of Admissions and Support Services, at ramona.kauk@advancebkg.com, or call her at 605-696-5276.
CORE SERVICES
RESIDENTIAL
SERVICES
Residential Services provides the supports people need to live in and be an active member of their community. These supports are currently offered at six group homes and two apartment buildings which provide staff supervision year-round, including holidays. We also offer supports to individuals who live either with their families or on their own in traditional community housing. The supports offered by staff in Residential Services cover a wide variety of daily living skills, such as:
- Participating in recreational and community activities and events
- Assisting with personal cares
- Accessing transportation
- Preparing healthy meals
- Following Occupational and Physical Therapy recommendations
- Maintaining a clean and safe home
- Taking medications
- Managing finances
DAY SERVICES
Our Day Services Program is dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, both in their homes and in facility-based locations. Our mission is to ensure that each day is meaningful and fulfilling through a diverse array of classes, clubs, and activities such as crafts, cooking, games, socializing, and more.
We believe that the individuals we support should be the primary drivers of our services. By advocating for their own interests and desires, they shape the activities and opportunities we offer. Our staff are committed to enhancing these experiences by introducing new and exciting options, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their daily activities. This approach provides opportunities to explore new pursuits and discover personal preferences, from fishing trips and musical interests to biking, playing cards, or visiting family.
A key aspect of our program is fostering a genuine sense of community involvement. We achieve this through various volunteer opportunities and partnerships with local organizations like the Brookings Library, Brookings Arts Council, Mission Coffee House, South Dakota State University (SDSU), and more. These collaborations ensure that our participants are actively engaged and truly integrated into the community where they live.
In all of our programs we create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive. We recognize that everyone possesses unique strengths and abilities, and we strive to empower each participant to reach their full potential.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
PRE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Pre Employment Program
This program is dedicated to supporting adults in obtaining the essential skills and opportunities needed to achieve competitive, integrated employment. Through comprehensive, classroom-based training, we focus on key areas crucial for workplace success and independent living.
Key training areas include:
Vocational Skills: Training that encompasses job-specific skills, workplace protocols, and professional behavior to enhance employability.
Soft Skills: Development of interpersonal skills such as effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Independent Living Skills: Instruction on daily living activities, personal organization, time management, and self-care practices.
Financial Literacy: Education on budgeting, managing personal finances, understanding financial products, and making informed economic decisions.
Advocacy Skills: Empowering individuals to understand and assert their rights, set personal goals, and effectively communicate their needs and desires.
Health and Wellness: Promoting physical and mental well-being through education on healthy lifestyle choices, stress management, and self-care routines.
Additionally, our program places a strong emphasis on career exploration to help individuals determine which vocation suits them best. This personalized approach ensures that participants can pursue careers aligned with their interests and strengths. We also provide long-term follow-along support to ensure sustained success, offering guidance and assistance to individuals supported as well as employers.
The goal of our program is to better prepare adults with ID/DD for competitive and integrated employment, enabling them to obtain and sustain meaningful work. By doing so, we aim to foster greater independence and enhance the overall quality of life for our participants.
YOUNG ADULT TRANSITIONS
WHERE WE STARTED
Established in February 1994, Career Advantage’s goal is to help people with disabilities obtain employment, re-enter the workforce and achieve their vocational goals. Career Advantage is Advance’s Supported Employment Program. Career Advantage is located at the Old Sanctuary Building in Brookings, SD, and is a private service provider.
HOW WE ROLL
Career Advantage provides employment services including Job Placement, Job Coaching, Follow Along, Situational Assessments, Vocational Evaluations, Customized Employment, and Project Skills for individuals with disabilities who wish to obtain and maintain employment in the community. Career Advantage emphasizes competitive employment and support within the business community. Services are based on the philosophy that all individuals can and have the right to work. Career Advantage does not place individuals into jobs, we work with each client to develop the skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment.
CAREER ADVANTAGE
Established in February 1994, Career Advantage's goal is to help people with disabilities obtain employment, re-enter the workforce, and/or achieve their vocational goals. Career Advantage is Advance's Supported Employment Program and is located at 1303 Trail Ridge Road in Brookings, SD. Career Advantage provides employment services including Job Placement, Job Coaching, Follow Along, Situational Assessments, Vocational Evaluations, Customized Employment, and Project Skills for individuals with disabilities who wish to obtain and maintain employment in the community. Career Advantage emphasizes competitive employment and support within the business community. Services are based on the philosophy that all individuals can and have the right to work. Career Advantage does not place individuals into jobs, rather we work with each client to develop the skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment.
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
INTERNAL SUPPORT
COORDINATION
Internal Support Coordination serves as a vital link between Advance and external case managers, ensuring the delivery of person-centered services. Every individual served by Advance is assigned an Internal Support Coordinator who oversees the implementation of a customized plan outlining the necessary services and supports to achieve their specific goals. Advance collaborates closely with each person, their family, and their external case manager to plan, develop, and coordinate service and support systems, enabling each individual to live their life to the fullest.
MEDICAL
SERVICES
The Medical Services Department at Advance is dedicated to ensuring comprehensive healthcare for all individuals in our care. Our team includes three full-time nurses and two medical assistants who work collaboratively to provide a wide range of medical services. Their responsibilities include coordinating health needs with external healthcare providers to ensure seamless care and continuity. Our team oversees the health and well-being of each person, ensuring that any medical concerns are promptly identified and managed.
In addition to direct healthcare services, our medical staff play a crucial role in training our broader team. They provide thorough training in medication administration and first aide, ensuring that all staff members are knowledgeable and competent in these critical areas. Our Medical Services Department is committed to delivering high-quality care, supporting the health and wellness of every individual, and training competent staff.