Featured Member: Granite State Independent Living
Featured member Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) sets the standard for community-based disability support and services in New Hampshire. Promoting quality of life with independence for people with disabilities, this New Hampshire nonprofit is committed to personal choice and direction. With a board of directors and staff that consists of over 51% of people with disabilities, GSIL knows how hard it can be to find support and want to make it easier.
Empowering Independence for People with Disabilities Since 1980
GSIL was founded in 1980 by four people living with disabilities who were sat at the kitchen table reflecting on the countless barriers and lack of services available to them. This group wanted to help those living with disabilities accomplish their dream of living a life just like everyone else, a life that was full and completely independent. They pooled together their savings and created a budget to begin their journey to create Granite State Independent Living. Today, GSIL has expanded statewide and is New Hampshire’s only center for Independent Living in the state.
Education Programs: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Success
GSIL, funded by VR New Hampshire and in partnership with the Manchester School District, helps New Hampshire’s underserved students with disabilities transition from high school toward a more promising future by building solutions that meet each student’s needs and interests. Both the Earn and Learn Opportunities and IMPACCT programs are offerings that cover job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, comprehensive transition program & post-secondary education, workplace readiness training, and instruction in self-advocacy. With the goal of helping students with disabilities successfully enter the local workforce, the Earn and Learn program leads a small group of 16 students through a simulated work environment that helps them hone the skills and trainings they require.
Employment Services: Helping People with Disabilities Thrive in the Workplace
GSIL’s employment services team helps people with disabilities learn the skills necessary to thrive in the workplace by first assisting them in understanding their abilities, providing training, and helping them find opportunities to succeed. Regardless of experience level or field of interest, GSIL’s services can help individuals find quality local jobs throughout New Hampshire by getting to know what they’re looking for. Services provided by GSIL’s employment team include: resume and cover letter strategies, job leads, assistance filling out applications, networking and relationship building, benefits management, informational interviews, job coaching, job shadows, job accommodations, interview training, identification of skills & strengths, connections with other resources such as NH Vocational Rehabilitation.
Nursing Facility Transition Program: Opening Doors to Independent Living
GSIL’s nursing facility transition program allows you to live somewhere other than a nursing home, such as your own home or apartment, by offering a range of services that open doors to independence across New Hampshire. Services include education and outreach to organizations, individuals, and families interested in learning about community based options, individual assessments to develop a person-centered care plan, long term counseling to assist with making choices about services, service coordination, and life skills training. Known for their ability to create consumer-directed support options, and backed by internal staffing expertise, geographic capacity, and ongoing engagement with support services. GSIL is strongly positioned to help you transition back into the community.
Getting Involved
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This is a saying that GSIL lives by. It’s a statement that reflects their desire to go far with the community and bring their mission to those that want their assistance and support. It also emphasizes GSIL’s need for community support. Whether the support comes in the form of volunteers or sponsors, GSIL welcomes all kinds of support from the community. GSIL is always looking for volunteers for all kinds of events that they put on. From refereeing a basketball game to taking photos at events, there are a plethora of ways that volunteers can help.
Advocacy
Granite State Independent Living says that they will always front row in any legislative hearings on bills that impact the quality of life, economic well-being, and autonomy of people with disabilities. Their aim is to ensure equitable access to opportunities by collaborating with lawmakers and stakeholders. In fact, they encourage people with disabilities to take on leadership roles. They offer training and mentorship to help them advocate for themselves and others effectively.
Visit gsil.org to learn about their locations, volunteering opportunities, the services they provide, and more!
