HomeAid Visits the Innovative TERI Campus of Life in San Diego

Apr 22

HomeAid Northern California had the opportunity to tour the TERi Campus Of Life, a groundbreaking facility dedicated to serving individuals with special needs. Our host affiliate, HomeAid San Diego, played a pivotal role in developing this transformative project, which provides career training and experiences for 900 adults and their families living with developmental disabilities.

Set on 20 acres in North San Diego County, the Campus of Life is on a mission to change perceptions and support individuals impacted by special needs. With environmentally-friendly features and state-of-the-art technology integrated throughout, the facility embodies sustainability and innovation. Their programs include:

Choices for Adult Learning [CAL] is the only adult day program of its kind in California designed to meet the unique needs of adults with significant behavioral and intellectual disabilities.
Center for the Arts which include theater and performing arts, fine arts, vocational internship program, self-determination program, and remote services.
Fitness Program offers both staff and students special programs to help maximize overall physical well-being, such as fitness and health assessments, nutrition counseling, individualized exercise programs, cardiovascular strength/resistance training, flexibility, group exercise classes, and health-related workshops.
Culinary Program is designed to teach food preparation and cooking techniques, kitchen equipment operations and safety, and wait staff training. The Vocational Center is able to take advantage of everything the state-of-the-art culinary facility has to offer.
Agriculture Program operates 3 large-scale certified organic urban farms (certified by NFC) and 9 home gardens, providing specialized vocational training for students and providing seasonal produce. The farms and gardens are designed to conserve natural and man-made resources, encourage a diverse wildlife ecology, and provide a safe, engaging, and motivating space for their students, staff, and the local community. The Agriculture Program yields 1,000 – 1,500 pounds of certified organic crops per month providing 80% of the fresh produce consumed by TERI’s group home residents with the rest used in our culinary programs.
Therapeutic Equestrian Program offers therapy-based riding lessons. Lessons are designed to promote physical development as well as cognitive, emotional, and behavioral growth to students with developmental disabilities.

Through organic farming initiatives and a focus on independence, the Campus is creating a space where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. To learn more about HomeAid, our affiliates, and the projects we build, please contact Crisand Giles to get involved!