Main Street Connect Inc.

To create dynamic opportunities through affordable, inclusive housing and community engagement so people of all abilities can live their best lives.

A world where people of all abilities thrive together – are included, feel connected, and have abund

Goal One: Mainstays (core programs) expand and evolve using surveys and evaluation. We meet a wide range of mental/physical needs, have worked with over 100 partners to offer more options and grow our reach.

Goal Two: We assess often, responsive to members' needs, nimble in changing times. For example, our LiveWell series supported members during Covid. We also collaborate with members to create new programs.

Goal Three: Main Street is a mindset and a model of inclusive, affordable living and community. Our goal is to make inclusion the norm. We aim to expand opportunities for more inclusive models across the country.

Professional Development is a large part of our ethos here at Main Street. We offer opportunities for our members and larger community to learn and grow and deem that equally as important for our staff. In the past 18 months we have had many opportunities for growth and learning. We worked with Sharp Insight to create and implement an Evaluation Strategy, Logic Model and Plan, workshops for CPR training, Boundary and Incident Training and Communications and Marketing visioning. We audited our organizational structure to ensure we are growing with the best structure and this year we look forward to working with a consultant to guide our strategic planning process.

Prior to the pandemic, Main Street programs provided social, emotional, educational and quality of life experiences such as an onsite fitness center, interest clubs, social lunches/dinners, health and wellness classes, cooking and baking classes, yoga, tai chi, boxing, outings and more. During the pandemic, all programs became virtual and will continue to do so offer as an option with some some hybrid from here on. Virtual programming has some silver linings; we can now access members in 8 states and just the sheer convenience allows for more people to engage. Main Street’s LiveWell program piloted in Fall of 2021 with partners: Suburban Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, the Jewish Social Service Agency, Giant Foods and The American Diversity Group. This program was a direct response to Covid and the effects it has had both mentally and physically on many members, especially those with disabilities. It provided health and wellness information, educational programs and personalized coaching and support for a small cohort, focused on health literacy, maintaining a physically active lifestyle, eating well, reducing stress and anxiety, and preserving emotional and mental wellbeing. Main Street offered an 8-week virtual series—Self-Centered: Black Rock in a Box, led by Black Rock Center for the Arts and again in the fall of 2021. Both with the purpose of empowering attendees to make connections to self through art, mindfulness, and journaling. These two examples illustrate how we responded to the needs of our members in light of external factors which gave purpose, emotional support and continued to build community and a sense of belonging during what continues to be truly trying times. As members with disabilities emerge from the isolation, loneliness, and sedentary lifestyles, we continue to shore up diminished social and life skills, re-build confidence and independence, teach stress management skills and address the overall detrimental impact of Covid-19.