Member Experience
There’s a moment when a person is most open to connection – when our brain, attention, and emotional state are all well-regulated. That’s when we each get a gleam in our eye and our friends, new and old, know we’re ready to hear each other and grow. At 3LPlace, we’re always working toward creating and capturing that gleam in the eye.
Our staff, curriculum, experiences, and physical spaces are focused on creating a calm, kind community. First off, everyone needs to feel safe, engaged, and ready to do their best. Then we work to ensure that each individual knows that someone is listening to them and focused on their needs and interests. It might not always be a member’s turn to have everyone’s attention, but we want everyone to feel like they are in a space where they are valued and heard. Ultimately, we build a space for vulnerability and growth where each member has individualized opportunities and plans for developing skills, exploring their interests, and connecting with other members and staff.
The concept of self-determination is at the heart of that work. Members have a lot of autonomy in picking what topics they focus on based on their interests, their own life experiences, and their current development. With one expert staff member for every three members, we work with members to pick an ongoing set of learning goals.
Our weekly schedule typically includes:
Community Meeting is a time for members to orient themselves to the entire day, the schedule, announcements, questions or concerns, and other pressing matters.
Meet Your Needs is based on the Autism Level Up Curriculum. Members use the Energy Scale to rate their stamina or state and make appropriate and supported choices to stay at the same level or to increase or decrease their regulation and energy.
Artifact Art Group is an opportunity for members to look at photos of their experiences and things that matter to them. Members look at these photos, add them to a journal, and reflect on their importance and meaning.
Lunch and Leisure includes food prep and eating supported by staff. The second half-hour of lunch is more free-form. Some members enjoy tech time, art, or chatting with one another.
Time to Shine is a new favorite for members where they are given a platform to perform for others. Many sing karaoke style, while others play an instrument, share jokes, or present a slideshow on a topic that interests them.
Advisory is a weekly one-on-one meeting between a member and their staff advisor to work on member goals.
Interest-oriented learning groups meet frequently to explore topics like current events and science and to develop self-care skills like nutrition, shopping, and budgeting.
Learn more about Families at 3L
Volunteerships
Many 3LPlace members take part in our Volunteerships program. Members spend a few hours weekly or monthly at local businesses and community organizations, expanding their vocational skills and working with new people. Some of the Volunteerships 3LPlace has hosted or partnered to date, include: Foodlink, Somerville Public Libraries, Somerville’s Council on Aging, Tufts Dining Hall and Athletic Center, Tree Angels, etc. Having an array of vocational opportunities provides opportunity and encouragement to members who might otherwise see work as a task versus as a meaningful experience.