Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE)

About

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), founded in 1977, benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to assist individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

Services Provided

Employment

• Paid employment (e.g., competitive integrated employment)
• Work experience (e.g., volunteer, intern, apprentice, employment training programs)
• Skill development (e.g., technology, employability skills, pre-employment)
• Career development (e.g., career counseling, job club, mentor)
• On-the-job training and support (e.g., job coach, assistive technology, supported employment)
• Youth and adult employment programs

Independent/Community Living

• Housing/Residential services (e.g., apartment, low-income housing)
• Supported living (e.g., in-home assistance, group living)
• Daily living skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting)
• Recreation (e.g., parks, sports centers, arts, summer camps)
• Home modifications (e.g., ramps, environmental control)
• Financial assistance (e.g., public assistance, financial literacy)
• Transportation (e.g., public transportation, driving instruction, vehicle modification)
• Food security (e.g., food pantries)

Healthcare

• Health specialists serving youth with disabilities (e.g., developmental pediatrician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, behavioral support)
• Mental health (e.g., crisis, clinics, social work)

Family Supports

• Support groups (e.g., parents, caregivers, peers)
• Educational resources for families
• Evaluations (e.g., psychological, neurological, assistive technology, developmental)
• Respite services

Education/Training

• Preschool/early childhood programs
• Higher education (e.g., community college, four-year college, inclusive higher ed)
• Certificate programs (e.g., food handling, welding, first aid/CPR)
• Adult education (e.g., reading, math, communication, GED)
• Vocational training programs
• Tutoring
• After-school programs
• School-age programs

Other Services

• Special education mediation (e.g., dispute resolution)
• Advocacy
• Assistive Technology

Supported Age Ranges

• Early childhood (0-5)
• School age (5-18)
• Young adult (18+)

Counties Served

• NASSAU
• SUFFOLK