1 ORGS · 22 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Symbolic Journey Model

methodology: symbolic journey model

By using the 'Ben’s Bus' symbolic framework, individuals experience a shared journey toward independence, because representing progress through a relatable, narrative-driven metaphor fosters engagement, motivation, and collective identity. The Symbolic Journey Model leverages a unifying narrative metaphor—'Ben’s Bus'—to structure and personify the path to independence for individuals with disabilities. This approach integrates symbolic storytelling with programmatic milestones, distinguishing it from purely clinical or transactional models by emphasizing emotional resonance, shared experience, and visible progress. It strengthens participant agency and community cohesion within diverse service areas such as supported employment, life skills training, and transportation.

1
orgs running it
22
activities of those orgs
7
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 1

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Adult Day Learning Program Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates a Montessori-based Adult Day Learning Program in Flagstaff and Page, Arizona, offering hands-on lessons in academic skills, music, drama, community outings, and a member-powered media platform (Diverge Media). The program served 53 students, with 27 transitioning to employment services.
  • Adult Day Learning Program Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates a Montessori-based Adult Day Learning Program in Flagstaff and Page, Arizona, offering hands-on lessons in academic and life skills, music, drama, and community outings, serving 53 students with 27 transitioning to employment services. This program also includes Diverge Media, a member-powered media platform, and produces a monthly newsletter.
  • Adult Day Learning Program Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates a Montessori-based Adult Day Program in Flagstaff and Page, Arizona, offering hands-on instruction in reading, writing, math, and time skills, along with music, drama, and community outings. Served 53 students, with 27 transitioning to employment services.
  • Client Transportation Services Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Provides transportation services, covering 382,144 miles, to support clients accessing various programs and services.
  • Diverge Media – Member-Powered Media Program Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates Diverge Media, a media platform run by participants in the Adult Day Programs in Flagstaff and Page, Arizona, including production of a monthly newsletter created by members and instructors.
  • Employment Services and Job Placement Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Provides job training, mentorship, application support, interview coaching, and ongoing workplace support through Job Coaches to individuals with disabilities. Trained 130 workers with disabilities or barriers and placed 10 into community jobs.
  • Employment Services for Individuals with Disabilities Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Connects individuals with physical or developmental disabilities to work opportunities, providing job training, mentorship, support in applying for positions, job coaching during interviews, and ongoing workplace support. The program has trained 130 workers with disabilities or barriers and placed 10 into community jobs.
  • Employment Services for Individuals with Disabilities Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Connects individuals with physical or developmental disabilities to work opportunities, providing job training, mentorship, support in applying for positions, job coaching during interviews, and ongoing workplace support. The program trained 130 workers and placed 10 into community jobs.
  • Employment Services for Individuals with Disabilities Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Connects individuals with physical or developmental disabilities to work opportunities, providing job training, mentorship, support in applying for positions, job coach support during interviews, and ongoing workplace support after placement. The program trained 130 workers and placed 10 into community jobs.
  • Evergreen Academy Preschool Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates Evergreen Academy Preschool in Flagstaff, AZ, providing free childcare to 23 families.
  • Evergreen Academy Preschool Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates a preschool in Flagstaff, AZ, providing free childcare to 23 families.
  • In-Home Support Services Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Provides individualized in-home support services, including attendant care, homemaking, habilitation therapy and training, independence training, and respite services for caregivers, serving 36 individuals or families.
  • In-Home Support Services Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Provides individualized in-home services for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, including Attendant Care, Homemaking, Habilitation therapy, Respite Services, and independence training. Served 36 people or families through this program.
  • QC Office Social Enterprise Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates QC Office, a social enterprise that creates job opportunities for individuals with disabilities by selling office and print supplies, including HP-standard refurbished toner cartridges, and offering free e-waste recycling. The initiative employed 18 workers with disabilities, paid $288,000 in wages, and recycled 29,349 pounds of electronic waste.
  • QC Office – Social Enterprise and E-Waste Recycling Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates QC Office, a social enterprise that creates job opportunities for individuals with disabilities by delivering office and print supplies, refurbishing HP-standard toner cartridges, and offering free e-waste recycling. Employed 18 workers with disabilities, paid $288,000 in wages, and recycled 29,349 pounds of electronic waste.
  • Residential Group Home Program Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates six group home settings in Flagstaff, Arizona, providing support services and independence skills training to 15 individuals.
  • Residential and Group Home Programs Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Operates six group home settings in Flagstaff, Arizona, serving 15 individuals with disabilities who are learning independence skills.
  • Transportation Services Quality Connections Inc
    direct service
    Provides transportation support for client services, delivering 382,144 miles of service.