The staff of the Stevens Hall Dormitory and the Living Resource Center try to make the environment as home-like as possible for the 90+ students who reside here on the MSD campus during the school week.

Through outings to the local shopping mall, dinners at restaurants, sledding in a nearby park, riding mass transportation, trips to water parks, Dorm staff are acting as surrogate parents by teaching students life skills. Socialization, money management, and appropriate manners are integrated into each outing.

Students are provided a quiet, distraction free area in which to study and do homework. Staff also provide assistance with homework if needed. Newspapers and magazines are provided to improve reading skills and encourage students to discuss current events with staff.

The Dorm has a community Game Room where the students and staff gather in the evening to watch movies or sports, play pool or board games and socialize. The Dorm staff run a store that offers snacks.

Students may attend and participate in school sponsored sports activities and dances, play intramural sports, join the Drama Club or Singing Hands, and occasionally attend local area sporting events.

During warmer weather, students spend a great deal of time outside, playing sports, going to nearby parks, and on nature walks.

The main purpose of the residential program is to provide a safe, supportive environment to help students grow and learn.