Residential Services

About Residential Services

Little Friends Residential Services Program helps adults with autism and other developmental disabilities live in homes as independent members of the community with support provided based on each individual’s needs. The agency strives to help those we serve to enjoy the freedom to shape their own lives and make decisions about their own homes, friends, and how they spend their time. Our breadth of experience provides us with the tools to adapt each environment to meet the unique needs of our residents.

Little Friends provides independent living skills training, community integration, and money management for adults. Our breadth of experience in the field of autism has provided us with the tools to adapt each environment to meet the unique needs of our residents. We operate forty properties, some of which include twenty-four-hour supervision. We also offer intermittent settings where individuals receive services based on need. Some only receive one day a week, while others receive services seven days a week. The care and safety of our residents are paramount.

Those we serve receive help accessing resources such as Medicaid, food (LINK) assistance, and Social Security. As part of the residential living program, Little Friends’ highly professional and state-licensed staff also provides a clinical assessment of each individual’s health status and self-medication capabilities and helps to coordinate services to meet each person’s physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Enrollment Process

Individuals are funded through the Department of Human Services and Medicaid. Each person must qualify and obtain Medicaid to qualify for our services. Those seeking placement services should contact their Individual Service Provider (ISC) at agencies throughout the state. They will gather your information and then send out “packets” of information for the Agency, in this case it would be Little Friends. We thoroughly review each packet. If the appropriate openings are available, a meeting will be set up. We do keep the packets mentioned above from the area service providers in our database so that when openings do occur, we are able to review them.

For those we serve and their families, every day presents a new challenge, as well as an opportunity for growth. The Little Friends Children’s Group Home helps children develop everyday communication and behavioral skills. One of the first of its kind, the Center is a highly structured residential training environment, a place where children with autism and other developmental disabilities can develop basic life skills through proven programming and ABA therapy.

Local service agency links:

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Meet the Staff

The staff of our program is comprised of Directors, Case Managers, Community Support Specialists, Social Services coordinators, Health Services Support Staff, Direct Support Professionals, Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and support staff.

Sue Iona

Vice President
Residential Services

Sue has worked in Residential programs for 35 years. Thirty-one years of that experience have been at Little Friends, beginning as direct care and working her way through the program. Independence and self-determination are goals Sue focuses on for those we serve. She believes everyone can learn something new each day with the support of our staff to be able to better provide for themselves and reach their potential. Family is the most important thing to Sue, including her Little Friends family.

Sally Allred, RN, BSN

Health Services Director
Residential Services

Sally received her DHS RN Nurse-Trainer certification in 2009. Sally has served in her present position for greater than 10 years and enjoys the challenges of assessment, supervision and coordination of the health care needs for the individuals we serve.

Ellen Smith

Program Director
Residential Services

Ellen has been a QIDP for over 20 years, and currently serves as the chair for the Behavior Support committee. Ellen also is a member of the CQL accreditation committee. Over the years Ellen has lived and worked in 7 different states and say that one of the best things about living in America’s Heartland is the “Midwestern Nice”. Ellen believes in the power of self-advocacy and is confident that everyone can achieve greatness with the proper supports and services.

Kate Mader

Assistant Program Director
Residential Services

From the very first day Kate walked into Little Friends Kate felt at home. 29 years later, that feeling is still the same. She is committed to the mission of Little Friends, whether it’s supporting the individuals we serve or the staff who are the core of our organization. One thing Kate has learned over the years is what we do really does matter!