Our History

OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. was established in July 1977 to provide a continuum of residential services to persons with mental disabilities. The organization evolved from a task force on social issues at the United Methodist Church of Wooster. The task force had studied issues of special residential needs in the community after becoming aware of a number of Apple Creek Developmental Center (ACDC) residents who were discharged to the community without appropriate homes or follow-up and support services. The members of this task force formed the Board of Trustees when Wooster Community Residences was incorporated as a private, non-profit corporation. The agency's name was changed to Residential Support Services in January 1986 and to OUTREACH Community Living Services in January 2001.


OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. now offers services in several program areas:

1. The Residential Program operates a number of supervised homes for persons with disabilities. The funding for these homes comes from the referring state and local departments of Developmental Disability authorities.

The DD homes provide personal care in a 4-person home opened in 1986, and a 4-person home downsized in 1997 from the original 6-bed home opened in 1978. All are funded through Individual Options Medicaid Waivers or Level One Waivers.


2. The Independent Living Program provides services for persons living in the community. The service intensity ranges from once a month to monitor housing and safety to daily personal care. Individual service plans are developed with the individual and implemented through a variety of funding systems (i.e., ‘SL’ and ‘I/O ’for DD clients.) Persons enrolled in this program may also receive the

following specialized services:

Protective Payee Services was developed by OCLS for persons needing assistance with money management, budgeting, and bill paying.


3. The Non-Medical Transportation Program was begun in 2012 to help fill the gap in transportation needs for individuals needing travel to and travel from work and back home again. This service is open to enrollees of the Wayne County Board of DD. Vehicles are inspected weekly and are on a regular maintenance program. Driving staff comply with strict rules to operate vehicles and are required to take a driving course through the National Safety Council.


Operating funds are received through service contracts with: The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), The Wayne County Board of DD, resident payments, grants and donations. Support services provided are at no or income-adjusted cost to the persons receiving the services.


Wayne County adults, including veterans, are eligible. Referrals are received from a variety of community service providers.


OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. is certified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to provide Supported Living Services, Level One, Individual Options Waiver services, and SELF Waiver services.


OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. is a Certified Provider through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities as well as an active member of the Wayne County Housing Coalition and the ad hoc committee of the Transportation Coalition.

Our Story

What began as a grassroots initiative in Wooster, Ohio, has grown into a trusted provider of essential services for adults with developmental disabilities. Inspired by a mission to close service gaps, our dedicated team builds meaningful partnerships with individuals, families, and community organizations to create a supportive environment.

Our Mission

The mission of OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. is to provide supportive services in partnership with the individual and the community to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Our Vision

OUTREACH Community Living Services, Inc. will work toward supporting persons to live at their highest possible ability in the least restrictive setting. We will do so by:


1. Developing residential and independent living placements;

2. Acting as advocates for the persons we serve;

3. Providing the skill development and supports needed to enhance independent

functioning; and

4. Meeting the needs of those who fall between the gaps in existing community

services.

Our Values

That persons with disabilities have the right of choice to live in their least restrictive environment, in their home community if possible.


  • That we need the support of the community in order to provide necessary programs and services to ensure success of persons with disabilities.
  • That support services must be provided efficiently and cost-effectively.
  • That a coordinated effort must be made among service organizations to communicate and cooperate in order to avoid duplication of services.


  • That persons with dual disorders (mental retardation/developmental disabilities and mental illness) need access to all available services that will enhance their lives.
  • That the organization will provide both formal and informal public information and education activities.
  • That the organization will continually work to improve its services.
  • That a positive work environment will be maintained to foster employee retention and satisfaction, and thus to provide quality services.