Community Living, Inc. is a nonprofit in Frederick that supports people who have Down syndrome, autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
CLI was started in 1979 as a residential-only facility (group homes) and has grown since then to support every aspect of adult life. Our support services provide support for daily living, from work to appointments. Vocational support aims to find gainful employment for the people we serve and job coaching in those positions. Our retirement program is a day program for people we support who are no longer able to work. And our oldest program, residential, now includes 26 group homes.
As one of our cherished non profit members, the Chamber has always supported the mission of Community Living and the role this organization plays in our local community and workforce. As President and CEO of the Chamber, Rick Weldon, stated, “You’re not a whole human if you don’t understand why we have to provide the resources that are needed by people who just don’t have the ability to seek out and acquire those resources on themselves.”
The role CLI plays in our community is necessary and essential and the work they do is invaluable for our community and the people who call it home. As Rick further explained, “…Community Living is an absolutely critical resource and a big part of what makes Frederick such a wonderful place.”
If you’re not familiar with this organization, please take a moment to get to know them here.
Meet Community Living Frederick
What’s the best part about operating in Frederick?
We are so lucky and grateful to be able to operate in Frederick. This community has shown its kindness and generosity time and again. There really is no community like Frederick when it comes to supporting nonprofits and helping those in need.
What makes your organization unique?
Community Living is the only nonprofit here in Frederick that supports only adults with I/DD. This is important because adults with these disabilities are often overlooked. However, children with I/DD grow up to become adults with I/DD and, while their needs change, they absolutely still need support — in some ways more. We are there to fill that gap.
How can people help support the CLI mission?
We are always grateful for donations and hope you’ll consider donating to us for Giving Tuesday this year! COVID hit us hard financially, as it did many other nonprofits, and we are in need of support from the community. We usually love volunteers, but opportunities are limited due to the pandemic. However, we are accepting volunteers for outdoor work such as landscaping at group homes and grocery shopping for homes.
Donations can be made on December 1st at www.communitylivinginc.org/
Visit Community Living online to learn more.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.