A Very Special Place, Inc. (Avsp)

A Very Special Place, Inc., (AVSP) was established in 1974 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The mission of AVSP is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fuller lives through comprehensive programs and services offering guidance, support, and opportunities for achieving independence, self-fulfillment, and full community inclusion. It is the continued commitment of the agency to provide the highest quality programs with the intent of continually improving services. Through a system of comprehensive, yet individually tailored programs, participants and their families are assisted in meeting immediate needs, as well as in planning for the future. Vast arrays of offerings are available depending upon the needs of the individual and what they wish to achieve. Programs include six Day Habilitation programs depending on need level and service. AVSP also has a Supported Employment Program where employment-training services assist individuals in assessing employment skills and preparing them to enter the workforce. The Supported Employment Program also includes a full-service training café (Harvest Café – a fully functioning restaurant) where individuals job train in a variety of roles to prepare them to hopefully acquire a job in the food service industry. Programs offered also include an After School Program for children, a variety of outreach services including residential habilitation programs (in-home training & support and Family Education & Training). Recreation programs including a Community Center, Creative Arts Network (CAN), and Teen Weekend Respite program. One of AVSP’s newest offerings is a Self-Directed Services Program, where on-staff Fiscal Intermediaries assist families who wish to self-direct their services. The Fiscal Intermediary provides administrative and billing support to these families.