Our History
Over four decades of pioneering community-based care in Michigan
One of Michigan's Premier Non-Profit Agencies
We welcome, employ and support individuals of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sexual identity, or gender. Our commitment is to create a community where every person is valued, respected, and empowered to live a life of dignity and choice.
Our philosophy embodies a powerful belief: giving people control and authority over their own lives.
This commitment has guided us for over 40 years, transforming how Michigan serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our Story
Watch our journey of transformation and impact
Our Journey
Key milestones in our evolution
A Landmark Lawsuit
A landmark lawsuit was filed against Plymouth Center for Human Development, challenging the institutional care models of the time.
This marked the beginning of a significant shift toward community-based care and set the stage for systemic change in Michigan.
Wayne Community Living Services Founded
Wayne Community Living Services was formed from three state facility placement units.
This consolidation created a stronger foundation for community-based services and marked our official beginning as an organization dedicated to supporting individuals in the community.
Transition to Non-Profit Status
We transitioned to non-profit status under the Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency.
This shift allowed us greater flexibility and independence in serving our community while maintaining our commitment to quality care and individual empowerment.
Pioneering Home Ownership
We launched the groundbreaking "Home of My Own" project, pioneering consumer home ownership for individuals with developmental disabilities.
This innovative program helped people transition from institutional settings to owning their own homes, fundamentally changing the landscape of independent living options.
A New Name, A Broader Mission
Changed our name to Community Living Services, Inc., reflecting our expanded services and commitment to serving communities beyond Wayne County.
This rebranding represented our growth and evolution as an organization serving individuals across multiple counties in Michigan.
Comprehensive Provider Networks
Designated as Manager of Comprehensive Provider Networks, expanding our role in coordinating care and services across multiple providers.
This recognition positioned us as a leader in the field of developmental disability services and network coordination.
Closing the Last Institution
Worked cooperatively to successfully close Mt. Pleasant Center, the last publicly funded institution in Michigan for people who experience intellectual and developmental
This historic achievement marked the culmination of decades of advocacy for community-based care and signaled the close of an era of institutional care.
Expanding Healthcare Coordination
Created our Long Term Care Division and established a dedicated Health Care Coordination department.
These additions ensured comprehensive, integrated care for the individuals we serve, addressing both developmental and healthcare needs.
Refocusing on Core Mission
Dissolved MCPN functions to refocus on our core strength: providing exceptional supports coordination.
This strategic decision allowed us to concentrate on what we do best—empowering individuals to live their best lives in the community.
A Transformation in Care
Our approach to supporting individuals has evolved dramatically over the decades
Institutional Model
We managed six-bed group homes where individuals lived in shared, structured environments.
Limited autonomy, limited choice, limited control over daily decisions.
Person-Centered Model
We support people leasing their own homes with companions of their choice.
Full control, individual authority, and the freedom to make their own life decisions.
This transformation represents more than just a change in housing — it's a fundamental shift in philosophy, recognizing the rights of all individuals to live with dignity, independence, and choice.
Today and Tomorrow
Building on over 40 years of experience, we continue to provide Supports Coordination, Self-Determination programs, and comprehensive training across multiple counties in Michigan.
Our commitment remains unwavering: to ensure every person has the supports they want and need to live a life of freedom, opportunity, and meaningful relationships.
The future is bright, and we're honored to walk alongside the individuals and families we serve.