Our History

Our History at A Different World Services captured in a photo of four team members standing together at an event, showcasing their commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities.

Our History at A Different World Services is rooted in a mission to transform lives through personalized care, with a strong focus on mental health support and behavioral development. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to empowering individuals to live with independence, dignity, and confidence. Over the years, our history has been shaped by our commitment to evolving and meeting the unique needs of our community, offering innovative services that foster personal growth, social integration, and overall well-being.

2012 - The Beginning

A Different World Services was established in 2012 with a vision to create meaningful, personalized care for individuals in need of mental health and behavioral support. Guided by a mission to empower individuals and foster independence, we set out to develop innovative programs that could truly make a difference. The foundation laid in 2012 marked the beginning of our journey toward becoming a trusted leader in the mental health and supportive services field.

2013 - Expanding Into Residential Services

In 2013, we took a significant step forward by purchasing our first property and launching our Residential Services program. This allowed us to provide individuals with safe, structured, and supportive living environments tailored to their unique needs. Our residential program was designed to help individuals develop essential daily living skills, gain independence, and achieve a sense of stability. The success of this initiative established a strong foothold in the community and reinforced our commitment to high-quality care.

2019 - Launching Community Services

As we continued to grow, 2019 marked another milestone with the expansion into Community Services. We introduced Community Coaching and Community Engagement programs, offering individuals opportunities to connect with their communities while building critical life skills. By partnering with various local organizations, we were able to enhance the impact of these programs, providing participants with access to a wide range of resources, workshops, and social activities that supported their personal growth and community integration.

2022 - Expanding Residential Programs and Embracing Least Restrictive Environments

In 2022, we added new locations to our Residential Program, broadening our capacity to serve more individuals. This expansion emphasized creating least restrictive environments, focusing on fostering each individual's true potential. Our approach involved personalized care plans that empowered residents to take an active role in their growth, with a focus on skill-building, self-confidence, and independence. These new locations were designed to feel like home, offering comfort and support while encouraging residents to engage in their communities.

2024 - Innovating with Group Day Support and Supported Living Programs

This year has been transformative for A Different World Services as we introduced new programs to further enrich the lives of those we serve. Group Day Support: In 2024, we launched our Group Day Support program, offering a unique and innovative experience that centers around three core components:

Group Day Support

In 2024, we launched our Group Day Support program, offering a unique and innovative experience that centers around three core components:

Art Therapy:

In partnership with George Washington University, we brought on new program directors to lead our Art Therapy initiative. This component offers creative outlets for self-expression, emotional healing, and personal development through structured art activities.

Community Engagement:

This aspect continues our tradition of connecting individuals to meaningful opportunities within the community, such as volunteering, participating in cultural events, and building social networks.

Gaming and Therapy:

By integrating modern therapeutic practices with gaming, we provide individuals with engaging, interactive experiences that promote cognitive development, teamwork, and stress relief.

Supported Living Program:

In addition to Group Day Support, we launched the Supported Living program, which focuses on empowering individuals to live as independently as possible. This program provides hands-on support to build everyday living skills such as cooking, budgeting, cleaning, and time management. For example, participants may learn how to plan meals, create shopping lists, and prepare their own food while staff provide guidance and encouragement. The ultimate goal of this program is to help individuals develop the confidence and abilities needed to navigate their daily lives successfully.

Looking Ahead

From our humble beginnings in 2012 to the comprehensive, multi-faceted organization we are today, A Different World Services has remained committed to our mission of empowering individuals and promoting independence. Each year, we have grown, adapted, and innovated to better serve those who rely on us. Our partnerships, such as the one with George Washington University, and our dedication to fostering creativity, engagement, and personal development, continue to drive our vision forward. As we expand and refine our services, we look forward to creating even greater opportunities for the individuals we serve, helping them unlock their full potential and embrace a brighter future.

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Our History

Our History

2012 - The Beginning

2013 - Expanding Into Residential Services

2019 - Launching Community Services

2022 - Expanding Residential Programs and Embracing Least Restrictive Environments

2024 - Innovating with Group Day Support and Supported Living Programs

Group Day Support

Art Therapy:

Community Engagement:

Gaming and Therapy:

Supported Living Program:

Looking Ahead

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