Treasure House Thunderbirds Charities

Treasure House’s Employment and Life Skills Program for IDD Residents Receives Funding from Thunderbirds Charities

Treasure House, an active living community where young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) grow, develop and thrive, is pleased to announce that it received a $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in support of its Employment and Life Skills Training Program. Through the program, Life Coaches work one-on-one with residents to set individual goals for employment and education. Job and volunteer opportunities in the community empower residents to gain independence, purpose and inclusion as active members of society.

  • There are 40,000 adults in Arizona who live with IDD
  • 200,000 students with IDD age out of special education programs each year
  • According to The Arc, 72% of adults with IDD continue to live with their parents after high school graduation, and more than half remain unemployed and unenrolled in higher education in the first two years after high school.

Treasure House serves as the solution to the post-high school ‘now what?’ question that families impacted by disabilities face. Currently, 20 of the 29 residents (70 percent) have secured jobs at establishments that partner with Treasure House, including the Arizona Humane Society, Banner Thunderbird Hospital, Barrio Queen, Inspira Senior Living, POPEYES and Spencer’s Place. Inclusion as a productive member of the community through internships, minimum wage employment and volunteer opportunities helps prevent feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression in young adults with IDD.

“We are pleased to be the recipient of the Thunderbirds Charities grant, which will allow us to continue providing individuals in the disability community with the same opportunity as all others to lead successful, fulfilling lives,” said Lauri Tanner, Treasure House CEO. “Society has so much to gain when differently abled people are included. We are not only changing the lives of our differently abled residents, but are provided a renewed sense of hope for their loved ones.”

Upon joining Treasure House, all residents immediately take part in the Employment & Life Skills Training Program to begin developing a meaningful and actionable life plan tailored to their unique strengths, talents and abilities. Life coaches provide hands-on assistance and support through training in information technology, fine motor skills, soft skills, resume writing, job interviewing, and more. Life skills training including cooking, cleaning, budgeting, shopping and hygiene. Life coaches document progress and results through surveys, client observation, case management files and individual success stories. Quarterly reviews are conducted by the Director of Operations in conjunction with program staff, each resident and their family.

Treasure House’s Employment and Life Skills Training Program is typically sustained with funds generated from the nonprofit’s signature fundraising event, Celebrity Game Night.

To learn more about Treasure House, visit www.treasurehouse.org.

This grant is part of the Spring 2021 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.