Application for Team Living PODs

Service Description & Fee Structure

When:
Year-round, ongoing open enrollment.

Where:
Orinda, CA 94563  Tel: (925) 262-3135

Program Overview

Aspen Network provides person-centered support for adults seeking to increase independence, build meaningful social connections, and engage more fully in their communities. Services are individualized and delivered within a consistent, structured framework to ensure clarity, transparency, and continuity across all participants.

Aspen Network supports individuals with a wide range of needs, from those seeking guidance and structure to those requiring more comprehensive, hands-on daily support.

All services are individualized and may be modified based on participant preferences, needs, and, when applicable, Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals. Participation in all activities is voluntary.

Program Delivery Across Living Arrangements

Aspen Network delivers services across a range of living arrangements. Participants may reside within Aspen housing or live independently in the community while remaining actively engaged in the program.

All participants receive services within the same core service model and are supported based on their individualized level of need. Supports are adapted to each person’s living arrangement while maintaining consistency in approach, expectations, and outcomes.

For participants living off-site, services focus on sustaining connection to the Aspen community while supporting continued growth in independence, daily functioning, and social engagement. This may include mentoring, life skills coaching, participation in structured activities, and community-based support.

Housing is not required to access Aspen Network services. Residential and non-residential participants are supported within a unified program framework, with services adjusted based on individual needs and goals.

Core Service Areas

All participants receive support within the following service categories:

Individualized Mentoring & Daily Support
Ongoing, relationship-based support tailored to each participant’s goals, including regular check-ins and guidance in daily living and personal development.

Independent Living Skills Development
Support with daily routines such as meal preparation, personal care, organization, laundry, and household management.  

Social & Community Engagement
Facilitated opportunities for peer interaction, communication skill-building, and participation in structured and informal social activities.

Community Participation & Access
Support in identifying and accessing community-based activities, recreation, education, and volunteer opportunities aligned with individual interests.

Transportation Support
Training and assistance in the use of public transportation and support accessing transportation for appointments and community activities.

Life Skills Coaching
Guidance in decision-making, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and development of independent living skills.

Household & Shared Living Support (as applicable)
Support with shared living expectations, communication with housemates, and participation in structured household meetings.

Family / Team Collaboration
Coordination with family members, guardians, and other providers to ensure consistent and aligned support.

Levels of Support

Aspen Network utilizes a standardized level of support structure. Levels reflect the intensity and frequency of services provided and are determined through an individualized assessment process. Levels may be adjusted over time based on participant progress and evolving needs.

Level 1 – Comprehensive Support

• High level of daily support across multiple service areas
• Frequent, hands-on assistance with routines and daily living tasks
• Ongoing structure, prompting, and supervision
• Active support in social, academic, and/or vocational development

Level 2 – Moderate Support

• Regular support with increasing independence
• Guidance in maintaining daily routines and responsibilities
• Staff support during key parts of the day
• Continued development of social, academic, and/or vocational skills

Level 3 – Transitional / Independent Support

• Lower level of direct support with emphasis on independence
• Periodic check-ins and coaching
• Support with long-term planning, self-advocacy, and community integration
• Focus on maintaining skills and progressing toward independent living goals

Community Living Support and Services Fees (Monthly)

Program Structure & Activities

Aspen Network provides a combination of structured and flexible programming designed to support social connection, skill development, and community participation. Activities may include:

• Group meals and shared living experiences (occasional, activity-based)
• Social and recreational outings
• Structured group discussions and community meetings
• Skill-building and enrichment activities
• Opportunities for peer engagement and collaboration

Participation is encouraged and tailored to each participant’s preferences and goals.

Additional Services (Optional – Billed Separately)

Additional services may be provided based on individual needs and are available at a consistent rate, subject to agreement in advance. Rates reflect provider qualifications, level of specialization, and prevailing market conditions. All services are delivered by qualified professionals with relevant training and experience.

The participant is responsible for any course fees, books, memberships, or other materials required for community-based activities.

Housing & Additional Costs

Housing is separate from Aspen Network’s program/service fees.

Aspen Network offers residential options based on participant needs. Each resident enters into a separate lease agreement consistent with California tenant protections.

Rental charges are based on the participant’s specific living arrangement, which may include:

• Shared rooms
• Standard private rooms
• Smaller private rooms
• Larger private rooms or primary bedroom suites

Rates vary based on room type, size, privacy, and household setting. Current rental rates range from $900 to $1,800 per month.

Food is not included in housing or program fees. Participants are responsible for their own groceries and personal food costs. Occasional group meals may be offered as part of social programming or community-based activities.

Monthly Fee Structure

Aspen Network utilizes a monthly community living service model to provide consistent access to services based on participant needs.

Services are billed for support provided based on participant needs and agreed upon in advance.

Program fees reflect the participant’s level of support and are independent of housing arrangements.

All fees are established in advance and applied consistently across participants receiving similar levels of support.

For participants utilizing Regional Center funding, services may be aligned with the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and coordinated in collaboration with the participant’s Independent Facilitator and support team.

Assessment & Placement

Each participant completes an intake and assessment process to determine the appropriate level of support. Placement is based on individual needs, goals, and preferences.

Commitment to Consistency and Transparency

Aspen Network is committed to maintaining clear, consistent, and transparent service descriptions and fee structures. All services are provided within a standardized framework and are applied uniformly across participants, regardless of funding source.

Notice of Service Changes

Services may be modified or discontinued by either party with appropriate notice, typically 30 days, unless otherwise agreed. Aspen Network maintains a flexible and non-punitive approach while ensuring clarity in service delivery.

Online Application Submission — PLUS a printed and signed copy

Please fill out all sections of the following application and supply all the requested information and materials. If you can’t complete this application entirely in one sitting, simply click “Save & Continue Later,” at the bottom of the form, to temporarily save what you have entered.

VERY IMPORTANT: After you have fully completed the form — but before you click the “Submit Application” button — you must first print out a complete copy of the form and physically sign all forms. Please mail the original signed copy and requested documents to Aspen Network:

Aspen Network
Attn: Meg Fields, RN, Psy.D.
15 Vallecito Lane,
Orinda, CA 94563

AFTER you have printed the application, click “Submit Application” to send the application electronically.  Note that Aspen Network must receive BOTH the electronically submitted online application and the physically signed hard copy, along with the $275.00 application fee.

IMPORTANT: BEFORE clicking the Submit button above, you must FIRST click the
Print This Application button to print and sign your completed application.
Signed applications to be mailed to the address above.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

In addition to the electronic version of the application (sent when you clicked the Submit Application ) you must also mail all of the following items to Aspen Network:

1. A printed copy of the fully completed application — with all required hand-written signatures. (Please also keep a copy of this document for your own records.).

2. A nonrefundable application-processing fee of $275.00 — in check or money order payable to Aspen Network.

3. Official transcript from high school and college.

4. Latest IEP (if applicable).

Please mail all of the above to Aspen Network at this address:

Aspen Network
Attn: Meg Fields, RN, Psy.D.
15 Vallecito Lane
Orinda, CA 94563