History

1986

The Kalamazoo Foundation works with Community Members to incorporate an agency called DCD — Disadvantaged Citizens of Downtown.

1991

DCD Changes its name to “Living Ways, Inc.”

1995

Living Ways acquires another non-profit called “Options for Community Living”.This brought the addition of supported living for individuals previously living in nursing homes.

1996

Living Ways affiliates with “Hope Network” and absorbs the day program, which is now known as the Alcott Center.

1998

Living Ways changes its name to “Hope Network South” after merger with Sturgis, MI company “ARCH.”

2005

Hope Network South terminated supported living contract with Kalamazoo CMH, and transferred assets to “Community Living Options.”

2006

Community Living Options (previously known as Living Ways) officially takes over the remaining business that Hope Network South had in Kalamazoo County. While a portion of the business remained with Hope Network, the parties involved felt that the values of this community would be best served today and in the future with this change.

2013

Community Living Options continues its long-time relationship with the Living Ways Foundation and My Own Home. CLO employs 165 staff and has a budget of just over 4 million dollars.

Mission Statement

Purpose

Community Living Options is a human services agency that provides a range of high-quality support services to people in need of residential care, in-home assistance, or community living supports. We are committed to providing these services in a manner that respects self-direction and affirms the dignity of each individual.

Values

  • CLO affirms the right of all individuals to direct their lives.
  • CLO is committed to ethical decision-making – doing the right thing for our organization and the individuals we serve.
  • CLO believes our services extend beyond the care we provide to each individual. CLO works to create an environment conducive to open and honest communication, advocacy, and working together as partners.
  • CLO believes that those who work in the organization are integral to the excellence of the agency and the high-quality services we provide.

We are grateful to all of the wonderful individuals who have helped this agency grow and survive, especially Steve Denenfeld, Dan Conklin, Laurie Jefsen, and George Martin.