SidebySide ADVENTURES

As part of Side by Side's commitment to supporting clients in the community, we believe that offering opportunities for socialization can assist in the development of confidence and self-esteem in several respects. Through SBS Adventures clients are able to meet with other peers and engage in networking in order to expand social supports. In addition, being out in the community offers valuable practice opportunities for those looking to enhance their relationship building and social skills. SBS also emphasizes the value of expanding the cultural horizons of its clients. Living so close to a metropolitan area affords many prospects for cultural enrichment, including the theater, ethnic restaurants, and museums. It is our intention to facilitate age-appropriate social activities that are truly integrative and stimulating. It is SBS' hope that all of our social opportunities are not only a chance for clients to increase their social contact, but also a catalyst for independent socialization.

Day Trips

• Attending the theater, concerts, and sporting events can be as easy as signing up with Side by Side Adventures. Getting out and taking advantage of all that the New England area has to offer is simple with our organized day trips.
  
  
• For those with a penchant for the outdoors, SBS offers day trips for hiking and nature walks where clients can take in the beautiful New England scenery with others who share the same interests.
  
  
• All trips are fully staffed and chaperoned by professionally trained employees. Most trips also include meals and transportation.

Overnight and Weekend Trips

• Side by Side also offers fully chaperoned, extended trips for those who enjoy visiting places for longer periods of time. From overnight camping and hiking trips to exploring popular urban US destinations, clients can take advantage of the travel opportunities without the hassle of all of the planning and small details.
  
  
• Clients can rest assured in knowing that SBS staff work hard to assist all participants in increasing their socialization skills, and will foster positive social contact between individuals whenever possible.
  
  

Social Connection Groups

• For clients who are interested in building and maintaining ongoing friendships within a more supportive setting, SBS offers an ongoing social outing program in which members will be part of a small group of peers who will meet routinely for evening or weekend daytime activities such as going to the movies, dinner, the theater, or a musical performance.
  
  
• Meaningful sustainable friendships do not take place overnight, which is why our SBS Social Connection Groups are so effective in fostering longer lasting relationships between its members. As clients get to know and like other group members, opportunities for outside social contact will arise.

Wellness Program

• Personal Coaching: SBS is invested in the health and longevity of our clients and we show our commitment by offering personal coaching in local fitness centers. Through the Wellness Program clients are given an opportunity to increase social contact, improve physical health, and increase self-esteem by improving their self-image.
  • When possible, SBS staff encourages normalizing social experiences within the gym setting by assisting clients to participate in activities with others, such as playing basketball or taking an aerobics class.
    
    
• Nutrition Group: To assist clients in improving their ability to make healthier food and exercise choices, SBS also provides a nutrition education program that meets on a regular basis to learn and discuss ways to live healthy. Within the group, members will define individual wellness goals and track their progress towards those goals.