It started in 1969 with a conversation – about how to best help young adults with developmental disabilities live in the community. At the time, many individuals were institutionalized, and few opportunities existed for transitioning from special education programs into adult life. Alvord-Taylor, Inc., assists people with disabilities to live quality lives in their communities. We began as an alternative to the institution model provided by the state institution Fairview Training Center, which closed in 2000. In 1969, two families united to develop a group home for individuals with disabilities. With help from the ARC of Lane County and financial backing from John Alvord, a group home was opened in 1970. In 1974, Alvord-Taylor was incorporated as a non-profit organization. 44 years later, Alvord-Taylor, Inc., continues to provide 24-hour direct support services both to individuals in group homes, as well as supported living services to those who live in their own homes. Over the years, Alvord-Taylor has grown and evolved – both our services and the number of people we support. At the same time, our group homes have gone from housing as many as ten people to an average of three residents. We serve over 60 people with disabilities in the Eugene-Springfield area. Our main areas of focus are facilitating independence and personal opportunity. We believe in genuine community involvement for the people we support and increasing community awareness of the abilities of the people we support. The majority of people we support are gainfully employed, working with various programs and vocational providers throughout the community to maintain jobs. Our staff of over 200 employees works cooperatively with the people we support and their families to identify goals and implement the support necessary for increased independence and quality of life.