WESCO Industries provides some of the most extensive support services in Iowa for children and adults with chronic mental illness, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and brain injuries. Each of the organization’s programs is designed to empower individuals. Emphasis is placed on teaching a variety of life skills depending on the needs of each individual, as well as providing training to assist residents in reaching their potential to become as independent as possible.
Non-24-Hour Supported Community Living
WESCO Industries’ Non-24-Hour Supported Community Living Program is designed to support and encourage individuals to live as independently as possible in their own homes. Staff is available to provide individualized services at times that are convenient to the person served. The goal of the program is to maintain independent living and increase involvement in the community. The program provides training to help people develop or regain skills of daily living.
These skills include money management/budgeting, daily living skills, hygiene and self-care, grocery shopping, exercise, mental health, transportation, scheduling and attending appointments, medication management as well as social integration.
Our members enjoy Friday lunches with their peers, where they get to choose a different restaurant within Denison and surrounding communities every week. WESCO staff is also available to assist members on yearly vacations of the member’s choosing.
Families, caregivers, guardians, caseworkers, and other agencies should contact Deidra Brown at 712-263-6141 or by email if they are interested in having WESCO provide services or would like to request a tour or additional information. For more information on funding options, please contact the Finance Director, Donna Schurke, at 712-263-6141 or by email.
Supported Employment
This vocational rehabilitation program intends to work with individuals with chronic mental illness, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or brain injuries to ascertain what employment they may be interested in pursuing. Each individual’s needs, interests, skill level, and desires are assessed and matched with a job within the community. Job shadowing, job development, and job discovery are utilized to provide a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity for employment.
Residential Services
These individuals often live in their own homes throughout the supported community. These individuals will live in a home that is rented from a landlord in the community with four to five other roommates. WESCO provides staff support for all aspects of residential life, including banking, cooking, shopping, healthcare, transportation, recreation, and community inclusion.
Adult Day Services
Our NOVA program (Nurture Opportunity Value Accessibility) is designed to maintain a higher level of activity for an individual to postpone or, in some cases, prevent the need for long-term care in a nursing home. Activities are structured throughout the day and include trips out into the community. The NOVA facility is located near WESCO’s new main administration building and is available weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. This program can also be utilized by individuals diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, physical disabilities, and those who may be socially isolated. A mid-day meal is provided, as are structured activities, exercise, mental stimulation throughout the day, and assistance with toileting, medications, eating, and walking.
Adult and Children Respite
WESCO is one of a handful of adult and child respite care providers in the western Iowa region. This program is designed to offer relief to parents and caregivers in a one-on-one setting. Respite can be provided at the parent/caregiver’s request to include nights and weekends. This program allows parents and caregivers an opportunity to recharge, run errands or focus on other children. At the same time, the individual is cared for in their own home or within WESCO’s Respite Center in Denison, Iowa.
Day Habilitation
WESCO’s day hab program is designed for individuals who desire to explore and discover new things. We have a fantastic day habilitation facility in Denison, Iowa, called the WAVE. It functions as a clubhouse for individuals and offers numerous enriching learning opportunities. Trips are planned throughout the surrounding communities, focusing on volunteering in businesses and nonprofit organizations. The activities vary widely, and this service offers many options for the individual. WESCO offers this day habilitation program for adults daily, Monday through Friday.
Transitional Living
The purpose of the Transitional Living Center, called Stepping Stones, is to provide short-term (up to 90 days) housing and support for an individual who is coming out of hospitalization, mental health crisis, or homelessness who needs to redevelop skills to be successful in the community of their choice. Any required services are put in place for each individual, including mental health, funding, substance abuse, and counseling. Even though we are based in western Iowa, WESCO is a part of the Rolling Hills Mental Health Region that helps provide mental health services within the state.
