A “Without Walls” (WOW) day hab program will soon open its doors in White Plains, N.Y. It’s run by Living Resources, a non-profit with WOW programs in 11 other  New York counties. Plans are for the White Plains program to open its doors to participants around mid-November — and slots are available! (See below for contact details.)

As the name implies, a WOW program is day hab that emphasizes community inclusion. This is done through volunteer work and recreational activities. “The whole goal of [WOW] is to have them out in the community all day long,” says Rob Scaccia, Intake Coordinator & Development Specialist, Living Resources.

The organization’s other WOW programs are in Albany, Rensselaer, Columbia, Greene, Warren, Dutchess Schenectady, Saratoga, Ulster, Orange and Rockland counties.

Right now the White Plains program is fixing up its space — located at 280 Dobbs Ferry Rd. — hiring more staff and scouting for volunteer sites that need help.

“We’d like to get started with one or two sites,” Scaccia explains. “The recreational activities, they’re easy to come up with, there are so many things to do in this area.”

Living Resources opened WOW programs in Orange County four years ago, and Rockland County one-and-a-half years ago.

“Even with COVID the growth has been phenomenal,” says Scaccia. “Orange opened with two people the first day and now it’s up to 45.

Interested? Here’s a Way to Get Started

Those interested can reach out to Scaccia directly at rscaccia@livingresources.org. Or, have the potential participant’s Care Manager reach out.

A Care Manager will need to help collect and process the slew of paperwork needed to determine eligibility, and otherwise help to get the ball rolling. WOW programs accept Medicaid and Self-Direction.

Photo: Living Resources