Support for adults building stability, confidence, and greater independence
The Independent Living Program is designed for adults who are ready to take meaningful steps toward more independent living while still benefiting from professional support. Some residents may be transitioning from more structured settings, while others may be seeking continued therapeutic, vocational, or life-skills support within a community-based environment. In every case, Averte’s approach is individualized, strengths-based, and centered on each person’s goals.
Each resident works collaboratively with their treatment team to create a personalized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs, strengths, and goals. Progress is reviewed on an ongoing basis, and supports are adjusted over time as residents grow in confidence, ability, and independence.
Who the Program Serves
Averte’s Independent Living Program serves adults 18 and older who may be:
- Transitioning from structured or institutional settings
- Looking to strengthen skills related to independent functioning
- Seeking continued therapeutic and vocational support in a structured community setting
A Person-Centered Model of Support
The Independent Living Program is built to balance autonomy with structure. By combining residential services, clinical care, life-skills development, and community engagement, Averte helps residents build independence while maintaining access to the professional support needed to promote stability and long-term success.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Averte meets each resident where they are. Support is responsive, respectful, and designed to help each person move forward at a pace that reflects their needs and strengths.
Supports and Services
Residents enrolled in the Independent Living Program receive a range of residential, clinical, and community-based supports designed to promote growth, stability, and self-sufficiency. These supports may include staff support, medication assistance based on individualized needs, meal service at one of Averte’s therapeutic community residences, structured residential activities and outings, vocational support, volunteer opportunities, and personal care support such as oversight, prompts, and reminders.
Residents also have access to Averte amenities that support wellness, recreation, and daily living, including an indoor tennis and basketball court, fitness center, wellness library, resident kitchen, hiking trails, and an in-ground pool.
Clinical services are an important part of the program and include comprehensive clinical assessment, individualized treatment planning and ongoing review, clinical groups, individual therapy, individual and group skills coaching, psychiatry services, and Direct Primary Care services.
Building Skills for Daily Life
The Independent Living Program is designed to help residents strengthen the practical and interpersonal skills that support long-term independence. Through daily structure, therapeutic support, and real-life opportunities for learning, residents can continue building confidence in managing routines, engaging with their community, navigating responsibilities, and working toward personal goals. This combination of support and skill development helps create a strong foundation for more independent living over time.
A Safe, Respectful, and Supportive Environment
Averte is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful living environment for all residents. Staff actively promote safety, encourage respectful interactions, and respond promptly to concerns as they arise. When emotional dysregulation or crisis occurs, Averte uses an individualized, trauma-informed approach to de-escalation and crisis support, with safety planning developed in collaboration with the treatment team. Averte does not use mechanical, physical, or chemical restraints in its de-escalation procedures.
Averte also supports residents through discharge planning and aftercare coordination, helping prepare for the next step in care with written plans, medication coordination, and consultation around aftercare options when appropriate.
The program maintains clear expectations that help protect the well-being of the community, including policies related to substance use, weapons, staff access to apartments, electronics, personal property, and respectful community living.
Commitment to Resident Safety
Averte encourages open communication and takes concerns related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or resident-to-resident incidents seriously. If concerns are reported or suspected, staff take immediate steps to help ensure safety, document the issue, and report to Vermont Adult Protective Services when required. Concerns between residents are also addressed promptly, with communication and planning to support safety and prevent future issues.
Why Families and Referring Partners Choose Averte
Averte’s Independent Living Program offers a thoughtful blend of structure, support, and autonomy. Residents benefit from individualized clinical care, community-based living, opportunities to build meaningful life skills, and a team committed to helping each person move forward with dignity and confidence. For adults who are ready to continue growing toward greater independence, the program offers both the support and the space to do so.