Ashland Home
Location: 1435 Ashland Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota  55104

The Volunteers of America of Minnesota Services for Persons with Special Needs offers residential supportive services to adults with developmental disabilities and Autism at its Ashland and Portland Homes.  Each home is located in a traditional residential neighborhood of St. Paul and provides community-based services to a total of four program participants, each with their own bedroom.  Goals of the program include increasing independence and self-reliance and fostering community engagement.  Supportive services include skill development in activities of daily living and self-care, sensory/motor development, interpersonal skills, communication, behavior programming, community living, health care, leisure and recreation skills, and money management.  Program participants benefit from quality long term, consistent care in a nurturing and supportive environment.  To find out more about our Ashland and Portland Homes, call 651-644-0577.

• Skill Development in Self-Care and Activities of Daily Living: Program participants engage in individual household chores and daily hygiene practices.  The amount of participation is dependent on each person’s abilities.  Looking and feeling good, and living in a safe, clean environment are stressed.
• Sensory/Motor Development: Occupational and physical therapy assessments and services are provided by community vendors, as needed.
• Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills are often difficult for persons with developmental disabilities and Autism.  Coaching and training are provided to enhance interactions with family, friends, staff and community members.
• Communication Skills: Ashland and Portland Home staff is trained in alternative communication skills such as sign language and picture communication boards. 
• Behavior Programming: A Qualified Mental Retardation Professional writes and monitors behavior programs for those individuals who may need support in this area.  All programs focus on reinforcing positive behavior while finding alternatives to disruptive behavior.
• Community Living: Members of Ashland and Portland Homes participate actively in the community.  Program participants shop at local retailers for personal needs and engage in volunteer activities, as appropriate.
• Health Care: The continued health and well-being of program participants is stressed.  All staff is trained in first aid and CPR.  Care and monitoring of seizures and special dietary needs, monthly allergy injections, therapeutic massage, routine appointments and acute care are all provided.
• Leisure and Recreation Skills:  Program participants are afforded the opportunity to participate in a variety of recreation and leisure activities of their choice.  At home and community programming includes individual hobbies, swimming and week long vacations.
• Money Management: Each program participant’s funds are kept in an individual account which is monitored by the program supervisor.  All program participants participate in the management of their money and guardians receive monthly updates.