Our Mission & Vision

The History of SupportOne

In the mid-1990’s, a group of like-minded citizens, all friends and family of adults with intellectual disabilities, gathered together to develop ways to  increase the choice of residential supports for their loved ones. Out of this vision, Community-Based Services, Inc. was born. On the eve of the organization’s 10th Anniversary, the board changed the name of the organization to SupportOne, Inc. to better reflect the organization’s commitment to providing “person-centered” services to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Since the first home opening in 1998, SupportOne has grown to six residential programs, with four in Henrico County, one in the City of Richmond and one in Chesterfield County. SupportOne currently serves 24 residents in these six homes by providing person-centered and community-based services to ensure residents live inclusively and independently in our community in the Greater Richmond area. This is made possible thanks to a staff of dedicated professionals and compassionate, caring volunteers.

SupportOne accomplishes this goal by not just simply mimicking a home-like environment for its residents, but by doing everything possible for the residents to make the houses they live in their homes. Here’s the bottom line: There is a greater need for services for the intellectually disabled population than there are funds available through existing funding streams. Since the 1960s, the United States has steadily moved away from institutionalizing individuals with intellectual disabilities to smaller, community-based group homes which integrate the residents into society. Annually, Virginia – just as other states – applies for Medicaid Waivers (or ID Waivers), with the federal Medicaid agency. This enables states to waive the usual requirements that individuals must live in an institution in order to receive Medicaid funding for services. In this way, Medicaid funds certain community-based alternatives to institutional care. According to the ARC of Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia ranks in the bottom 10 states for it’s spending per capita – currently 46th out of 50 – on support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently, there are an estimated 3,466 individuals with intellectual disabilities on Virginia’s waiting list who have an urgent need.

SupportOne strives to give persons with disabilities the same opportunities in life that everyone else has the right to enjoy – a home, relationships and a connection to our community. By offering individualized and person-centered supports, SupportOne is providing the opportunities that their families and friends envisioned. This person-centered planning approach is one of several unique qualities that set SupportOne apart from many other residential programs. The resident, in tandem with the SupportOne team, establishes a plan that includes goals pertaining to home life, money management, community integration, exercise, family time, spirituality, health, safety, nutrition and medical routines. No two residents have the same plan.

In addition to the tremendous success this model has seen in improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, one of the most compelling success stories is in the cost. According to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, it costs $216,000 annually for a state-run institution to care for an adult with an intellectual disability. This compares to $95,000 in the average private group home, and at SupportOne this service is provided at an average cost of less than $75,000 per year.

Staff Certifications:

SupportOne has 53 staff members        who are dedicated to serving adults with intellectual disabilities. Those who work directly with our residents are trained and certified in:

• CPR/First Aid
• Person Centered Practices
• Medication Administration
• Driver Safety
• Therapeutic Options
• Human Rights
• Infection Control
• Medicaid Waiver

Fast Facts:

SupportOne is a nonprofit, mission-driven organization dedicated to promoting independence for adults with intellectual disabilities through individualized support and services. The individuals we support range in age from 18 to 75.

Celebrating nearly 20 years of service, SupportOne nourishes the lives of our residents by providing services around the clock, seven days a week.

In addition to stable housing, other vital services include, transportation, meals, community-wide activities and daily support.

SupportOne was established in 1998 by a small group of citizens from Henrico County who saw a great need for quality residential services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

To continue to grow and enhance the services we provide, SupportOne relies on the generosity of the community through financial contributions, as well as in-kind donations of goods and services.