In the heart of Cambridge, Adults in Motion is creating a vibrant and inclusive space for adults with developmental disabilities.
Led by the Cambridge staff team, including Caralee Robertshaw, Manager of Programs and Services, and direct support professionals Brian Delahey and Megan Romeo, Adults in Motion Cambridge offers a wide range of activities designed to enrich the lives of its members.
"The day program runs with 15 participants each day, all of whom have developmental disabilities. Because it's a person-centered program, our participants are involved in program planning and goal setting for our program activities," explains Robertshaw.
Through the engaging programming, participants are given the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills and foster meaningful connections.
“Community connections are at the core of what we do and we have a lot of fun along the way! We make food for seniors, volunteer at food banks, help churches clean and sanitize toys and even work with the local market and Home Hardware,” shared Robertshaw.
Founded by Rodd and Shelley Murphy in 2009, Adults in Motion was created to address the need for meaningful day programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
"Our goals for participants include volunteering or learning job skills, gaining essential life skills and working towards independence in many areas. We teach kitchen skills, achievable at-home skills like basic cooking, personal hygiene, kitchen safety, life skill enrichment, cleaning and social skills. We want to create opportunities and inspire inclusion. We belong here—we are a part of the community and have so much to offer," said Robertshaw.
As a non-profit Adults In Motion relies on community support.
"We welcome people to visit and see what we do. We’re always open to community members coming in to help—if you’re a chef, you could run a cooking program for us or an artist who can come and teach our members new skills. Building awareness is crucial so we can reach those who are looking for programs like ours," explains Robertshaw.
Robertshaw emphasizes the importance of providing a space for adults with disabilities who are active and seeking more opportunities to engage with the community.
"A big part of our program is letting members have a say in what we do next. They provide input on the activities and outings they want to experience each month," she notes. "Friendships are huge here. It’s about connecting with people who share similar experiences and getting to do all these wonderful things together."
"Our participants take so much pride in what they do," Robertshaw says. "For many, this program is where their friends are and where they get to engage in amazing experiences with low barriers to doing so. The sense of pride and belonging is life changing."
Adults in Motion runs Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. for more information visit their website here.
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