The California Autism
Foundation provides a structured environment paired with
the intermingling of living skills, academics,
art, music and physical education. The goal
is for individuals to achieve social independence and
dignity, and to benefit from and contribute to society.
A Better
Chance Residential Care is the cornerstone of
CAF. CAF owns and manages nine “A Better Chance” (ABC)
licensed homes for consumers ages 6 to 60. Our homes
are located in Marin (2), Contra Costa (6), and San
Francisco (1). The residents have a wide range of developmental
disabilities and levels of independence.
 A Better
Chance School serves 45 students ages 6 to 22
from 17 local school districts, and specializes in
helping students who have been unable to succeed elsewhere.
ABC School’s functional skills curriculum includes
basic math and language arts, vocational training,
culinary classes, art classes, music classes, travel
training and self-help skills together with a modern
behavioral intervention program.
A Better
Chance Day Programs (Richmond & Marin) are
community-based entry level vocational training and
activity enrichment program. ABC Day Programs have
been recognized as one of the best programs in the
State of California. ABC Day Programs have been successful
with our participants by providing flexible levels
of stimulation, positive reinforcement and an emphasis
on communication skills.
A Better
Chance Enterprises is our Work Activity Program
(WAP) and operates a business called Custom
Assembly & Packaging (CAP). CAF consumers work
at jobs that provide packaging, labeling, and assembly
services to other businesses. In addition to working,
consumers participate in adult education classes, taught
by credentialed teachers sponsored by the West Contra
Costa Unified School District.
A Better
Chance Supported Employment assists those who
work off-site at various businesses. A job coach provides
complete job training and ongoing support to participants
and acts as liaison between the employer and CAF employee.
A Better
Chance Supported Living Services represents
CAF’s participation in a national movement toward
more mainstream living for people with developmental
disabilities. Supported Living Services provide consumers
the opportunity to live in their own house or apartment
and experience greater independence than is possible
in a licensed home.
The San
Francisco Chocolate Company (SFCC) – This
social enterprise, for-profit business employs workers
with disabilities making fine confections. Our products
are sold under the brand names Windsor Confections,
The San Francisco Chocolate Company and Hooper’s
Chocolates, and we also create products on contract
for other brands. SFCC currently operates in Oakland,
California in the 83 year old Hooper’s Chocolate
plant. California Autism Foundation has purchased and
developed The San Francisco Chocolate Company to create
career opportunities for people with developmental
disabilities and to generate income to supplement state
support of our social services. |
