Life Skills & Apartment Living
The residential staff teach important skills necessary for independent living. Weekly menu planning and grocery shopping takes place and staff provide instruction on how to plan nutritious meals and stay within a budget. Students may have individual cooking instruction with staff and all students cook cooperatively with their roommates. Regular roommate meetings facilitated with staff promote healthy roommate relationships. Students learn to work together to maintain their apartments.
Culinary classes are offered where students can refine their cooking skills in a group setting and sample new recipes. The meals prepared in the culinary classes provide valuable instruction and help students become successful cooks in their own apartments. Each week students gather for a popular potluck dinner where everyone is invited to bring a favorite dish and socialize.
Socialization & Recreation
An active social life is an important component of CIP’s residential program. Unique recreational activities and other social events are planned each weekend, and lasting friendships are developed. Students have a minimum requirement to participate in events. As a group, students learn to be open minded, make compromises and value the interests of fellow students. CIP’s active social schedule helps foster life-long connections and develop more self-confidence.
Student Senate
The Student Senate at CIP holds regular meetings and proposes a variety of fundraisers, social events and outings, including how their funds are raised and allocated. Elections are held in the fall and each officer has responsibilities throughout the year. Students learn to develop and refine their leadership skills, and to self-advocate and communicate effectively.
