Chrestomathy Inc

The word Chrestomathy is formulated from the Greek derivatives "chrestos" meaning useful and "mathein" meaning to learn. The premise behind these words are applied every day at Chrestomathy as we look for opportunities to promote life-long learning and enthusiasm among our participants and staff.

Our specialized program focuses on providing creative opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within a therapeutic and well structured environment. Chrestomathy programs are particularly well suited for individuals needing behavioral supports, personal care, and/or close supervision.  

Chrestomathy was successful in making a dramatic shift in service provision from onsite programming to traveling to clients in the community. This was all due to the COVID pandemic that has hit many of our sister and brother organizations hard. Many agencies have closed leaving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities permanently stuck in their homes with minimal to no socialization options with work friends and family members.

On a regular day, Chrestomathy serves roughly 165 clients across three program sites in the Twin Cities metro area.  As of April 1, 2020 our client attendance count dropped dramatically and as of today we are now serving 93 clients.  We are still providing off-site services to a few clients including remote services.  We quickly learned Zoom was going to be our best methodology for service provision to our most vulnerable clients with health issues, etc. who remain at home. We do provide job coaching to many of our clients who have finally been able to return to their community jobs. 

Our biggest issue today is finding staff to provide services to our clients.  We need responsible go-getters interested in teaching and training individuals with disabilities.