Functional Life and Wellness Program

Location: Burrell-MacDonald Park

Time: 4th Mondays of the Month | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Duration: 10 Months | (August 25th, Sept. 22nd, Oct. 27th, Nov. 24th, Dec. 22nd, Jan. 26th, Feb. 23rd, Mar. 23rd, Apr. 27th, May 18th)

Ages: Neurodiverse Youth and Young Adults (14–18+)

About the Program:

This monthly program is tailored for neurodiverse youth and young adults who are ready to build functional, real-world skills for greater independence. Each session blends an hour of interactive instruction with a guided community outing—supporting Regional Center goals for community integration, health, and independent living.

If attendance and registration numbers are consistent, the program will transition into a weekly course, offering participants deeper, more frequent skill-building opportunities.

Monthly Breakdown

Week 1 – Introduction + Community Expectations

Participants will set personal goals and learn about community norms, group roles, and collaboration.

Outing: Team-building activities at the park to foster trust, communication, and fun!

Week 2 – Healthy Eating & Nutrition

Learn about the MyPlate model, how to spot healthy vs. unhealthy choices, and why hydration matters.

Outing: Grocery store field trip to practice budgeting, label reading, and healthy meal planning.

Week 3 – Kitchen Skills & Cooking

Discover safe kitchen practices like knife handling, measuring, and basic cooking techniques.

Outing: Culinary workshop for a hands-on cooking experience.

Week 4 – Job Readiness

Build resumes, explore personal strengths, and practice soft skills like greeting and communication.

Outing: Volunteer activity at a local site and optional visit to Dollarhide Community Center.

Week 5 – Outdoor Recreation & Wellness

Explore how nature-based activities can support mental wellness and mindfulness.

Outing: Fishing trip within Compton—teaching patience, focus, and self-regulation through outdoor play.

Week 6 – Transportation Training

Gain confidence using public transit through interactive lessons on route planning and safety.

Outing: Guided Metro ride to a local destination with TAP card use and real-world navigation.

Week 7 – Financial Literacy

Learn about budgeting, saving, spending vs. needs, and basic banking skills.

Outing: Visit to a local bank to learn about services, ask questions, and explore money tools.

Week 8 – Personal Responsibility & Chores

Develop daily living skills like laundry, dishes, and tidying routines.

Outing: Hands-on laundry lesson at a laundromat or chore simulation in the park.

Week 9 – Giving Back to the Community

Learn the value of volunteerism, empathy, and helping others.

Outing: Serve seniors at Dollarhide Community Center or participate in a community clean-up.

Week 10 – Time Management & Routine Building

Master the use of planners, visual schedules, and daily routines for independence and organization.

Outing: Participants plan and carry out a real-time activity based on their created schedule.

Why Join?

Participants will leave with increased confidence, self-awareness, and hands-on experience navigating real-world responsibilities—all in a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming environment.

Limited spots available—register now to secure your space!

Please provide aide if needed.

Use promo code " SR" if you are going using social recreation funding through your regional center or self determination funding. Checkout code will bypass paying for cost of class if you are using social recreation funding through your regional center or self determination.

WE ARE REGIONAL CENTER SERVICE PROVIDER for SOCIAL RECREATION with Harbor, South Central Los Angeles and Westside Regional Center.

*Vendor Code #PH2694 for this class

Self Determination is accepted. Scholarships available upon request.