About Orchids
Orchids FASD Services of Wisconsin, Inc. (Orchids) is a 501(c) non-profit organization of concerned parents and citizens of Wisconsin who provide supportive services and resources for adolescents and adults affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. The name “Orchids” was chosen because of the uniqueness of each orchid flower and the special care that is needed to nurture and grow them. This represents every person living with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Our Mission
- To promote the self-esteem of adults affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol by providing appropriate resources and person centered vocational, recreational and residential opportunities.
- To support individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol and their families so that they may live quality, meaningful lives- striving to grow both morally and socially within a community.
Our Vision
Orchids will be a premier resource & support organization that strives to meet the lifelong needs of adults affected by prenatal alcohol exposure so that they can be valued members of their community.
What Are The Problems?
Adults with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) have specific brain dysfunctions caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. As children, many are provided learning modifications in school through Special Education but there is a gap between the services provided in school and the adult world. Adult support systems, such as mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability often exclude people with an FASD because their disability remains undiagnosed or does not meet the criteria to qualify for services.
Families often find themselves in challenging situations because of the lack of resources & services available to them. Because of this lack of resources and the severity of the disabilities, many individuals with an FASD become disenfranchised adults who often find their way to the criminal justice system or homeless shelters.
Individuals with an FASD can have a variety of functional disabilities and behavioral problems, such as: learning and social difficulties, poor understanding of time and money, poor memory, lack of good judgment, emotional immaturity, and difficulty with planning & problem solving.
As adults, these disabilities translate into real life obstacles to becoming valued members of a community. Such as:
- Difficulty gaining & sustaining employment
- Difficulty living independently
- Difficulty managing money
- Many have problems with alcohol and drugs
- Isolation and lack of social network
Many adults with an FASD can qualify for services if they have another disability that the government recognizes and funds.
Adults with an FASD are in need of medical, vocational, residential & recreational support services to be able to manage in the world and become productive members of a community.
What We Offer
- Referrals & Support for FASD Diagnosis & Assessment
- Technical Support for Social Security, Guardianship and other Applications
- DVR and Workplace Recommendations & Support
- Caregiver & Residential Support
- Housing Referrals
- Personal & Public Advocacy
- Caregiver/Parent networking
