Positive Approaches Journal, Volume 14, Issue 2

Volume 14 ► Issue 2 ► September 2025

Building Better Lives: Futures Community Support Services, Inc

Victoria Ace and Nicole Bordas

Futures Community Support Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with autism or developmental disabilities to live lives that are connected, meaningful, and full of purpose. We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential and experience meaningful independence in their daily life, a belief that is reflected in our mission statement. Through the creativity of our staff and teams, we have enhanced the environment in which our individuals are supported and live. Futures offers a wide range of individualized services designed to support people based on their unique needs and living situations. This may include individuals living independently in their own apartments, those in 24/7 supervised community living arrangements, or individuals residing in supportive families through lifesharing. Futures currently operates 14 community living arrangements and supports dozens of individuals in other settings.

Futures has completed environmental modifications within our residential-based programs that enhance physical safety and independence based on individual needs. For some individuals who are fall risks or have a history of leaving their beds, electronic floor mats are utilized to alert for a timelier response by staff. Assistive technology such as sleep mats has also been implemented for those who have a history of mental health conditions, insomnia, or other sleep-related concerns. Futures collected data for an individual which led to physician diagnosing sleep apnea and enhanced the medical care for overall improved health and safety. In some homes with increased behavioral concerns, vinyl or PVC wall panels, also known as milk board walls, have been put in place. The use of the milk board walls is an inconspicuous modification that allows the home to continue to feel comfortable while reducing physical damage during behavioral events. Some additional environmental modifications include the use of a sensor-powered garbage can so everyone residing in a home is able to use it without worrying about being unable to lift a lid, push a button, or tap a tab with their foot. Smaller items purchased to modify the environment and enhance independence and safety include safety knives and gloves used when individuals are learning to cook or simply choosing to assist staff with meal preparation.

Due to the varying populations, sensory-related modifications have been paramount to the success of the individuals served at Futures. Homes that support individuals with sensory-related issues have rectangular swings that provide the option for laying down, sitting up, or if desired safely swinging into the air themselves. In addition, small trampolines, water tables, and sensory cocoons are used. While it may take some time for individuals to learn about and understand how to use certain sensory items specific to their unique needs, other sensory-related items are usable right away, such as aromatherapy (essential oils), fidgets, drums, shakers, weighted vests and items for the wrists and ankles. One of the most creative uses of weighted items for sensory-related issues was the purchase of a weighted ball cap. An individual had the need for items on the top of the head for pressure. They found no relief until this was purchased.

Creative communication has been a consistent and key modification for all individuals being supported by Futures. The creativity does not stop at simple communication cards, although these are used for some individuals. In one home, communication cards specific to the area of the home were printed and posted in that area, but rather than showing simple clip art or a googled picture, images of the exact item desired in the home were used. In another home, the communication cards are magnets on the refrigerator where the individual can slide the preferred food over in order to communicate.

Several individuals are in possession of communication devices and applications on their tablets that provide verbal responses based on their choices. Futures clinical team provides individualized communication support to include teaching sign language and developing social stories.

For individuals with more challenging behaviors, specialized programs and planning are conducted to meet their needs. A partition has been added to an agency vehicle to provide an individual who has been unsafe during transport the opportunity to be back in the community. Futures provides individuals the opportunity to grow by gardening through the use of safe tools and pottery. For those individuals who are not poison/toxin safe, non-toxic items that allow them to feel less restricted and full access such as deodorants, lotions, etc. are purchased for them.  In addition to the in-house clinical team that is able to provide mental health and trauma-informed therapies as well as behavioral support, Futures gives all individuals the opportunity to move into more unconventional therapies such as music therapy and volunteering with animals. The availability of such services provides individuals with a more customized, consistent, and comfortable experience while navigating through their needs.

Biographies

Victoria Ace has held a variety of roles within Futures, beginning her journey as a direct support professional and now serving as the Clinical Supervisor. In her current tole, she leads the clinical team, which includes the agency nurse, and the behavior support professional. Victoria plays a vital role in organizing and implementing initiatives that promote both mental and physical health. She also provides individual and group-based therapeutic services, supporting the overall wellbeing of those served by the agency.

Nicole Bordas oversees a variety of programs at Futures, including supported living, lifesharing, and community living arrangements. She provides leadership and guidance to her team that run the programs, ensuring that services are aligned with the regulatory requirements and standards. With a diverse background across multiple service areas, Nicole brings valuable insight and creative problem-solving to her role.

 

Contact Information

Victoria Ace, MS.LAPC
Futures Community Support Services, Inc.
Clinical Supervisor

Nicole Bordas
Futures Community Support Services, Inc.
Director of Programs

Futures Community Support Services, Inc.

23 Main Street, Towanda, Pa 18848

Telephone: (570) 265-3800

Fax: (570) 265-8271