Individualized Skill Development

Practical Skills. Real-Life Impact.

What Participants Can Expect

Participants can expect hands-on, individualized skill building tailored to their goals. This may include strengthening executive functioning, improving communication and emotional regulation, building daily living routines, increasing community engagement, or preparing for employment and educational settings.

For youth, especially Black youth navigating multiple systems, ISDE includes skill development that acknowledges cultural identity, systemic barriers, and the importance of seeing themselves reflected in those supporting them.

For adults, ISDE focuses on increasing independence, strengthening decision-making, improving organization, and building confidence in managing responsibilities.

Every session is purposeful. Every skill is tied to long-term growth.

Skill Building That Builds Freedom.

ISDE supports both youth and adults in strengthening the practical, emotional, and executive functioning skills needed to navigate daily life with confidence. Services are structured, goal-driven, and aligned with each participant’s Recovery Plan within Comprehensive Community Services (CCS).

What ISDE May Include

  • Executive functioning and organization skills

  • Emotional regulation and coping strategies

  • Social and communication skill development

  • Community integration and engagement

  • Independent living skills (budgeting, scheduling, routines)

  • Employment readiness and workplace skill-building

  • Academic support and school engagement strategies

  • Confidence-building and self-advocacy development

Financial Literacy & Budgeting

  • Building and following a personal or household budget

  • Navigating online banking, setting savings goals, and managing debt

  • Understanding rent, utilities, taxes, and cost of living

  • Rebuilding credit or preparing for large purchases (e.g., vehicles, housing)

Post-High School Planning

  • Exploring vocational and academic options after high school

  • Applying to colleges, apprenticeships, or training programs

  • Navigating applications for financial aid or scholarships

  • Preparing for campus life, independent living, or transitional housing

Relationship Building & Social Development

  • Strengthening communication, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting skills

  • Reconnecting with family, co-parenting support, or navigating chosen family dynamics

  • Addressing social anxiety and building confidence in group settings

  • Exploring healthy relationships and identifying red flags

Parenting & Family Life Skills

  • Supporting participants who are parents with routines, communication, and scheduling

  • Navigating child-related appointments, school communication, and CPS involvement

  • Co-regulation and modeling healthy behaviors with children

Technology Skills

  • Using smartphones, tablets, and computers for telehealth, job searches, and social connection

  • Navigating email, digital applications, and online safety

  • Creating wellness routines through apps and digital calendars

Daily Living Skills

  • Time management, routine-building, and personal organization

  • Meal planning, grocery shopping, and basic cooking

  • Navigating public transportation and community resources

  • Medication self-management and setting up reminders

Employment Preparation (See “Employment Services for more information)

  • Resume and cover letter development

  • Practicing interviews and understanding workplace expectations

  • Navigating employment-related challenges like transportation or social anxiety

Mental Health & Recovery Integration

  • Applying coping skills in daily life (e.g., DBT tools, emotion regulation, mindfulness)

  • Learning how to manage mental health symptoms in public, work, or school settings

  • Practicing strategies for relapse prevention or harm reduction in social environments

  • Enhancing awareness of internal triggers and building self-regulation routines

Housing Readiness (See “Housing Services” for more information)

  • Understanding lease agreements, maintaining a household, and resolving maintenance issues

  • Preparing for inspections, developing cleaning systems, and organizing shared spaces

  • Practicing communication with landlords and neighbors

Supporting Youth Through Growth & Transition

  • Strengthening personal hygiene routines and daily self-care habits

  • Culturally relevant hair care education and body care practices

  • Understanding body changes and emotional development during adolescence

  • Navigating the transition from childhood to teenage years

  • Building executive functioning and responsibility skills

  • Developing healthy social and communication skills

  • Strengthening confidence, identity awareness, and self-understanding

  • Promoting independence through age-appropriate life skill development