Who is CLA?
Since opening our first home in 1989 Community Living Alternatives has helped over 100 individuals find ways to live and thrive in their own communities. Through group homes, ICFs, community engagement, in-home supports, and community coaching we provide supports that allow men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities safely and confidently pursue interests that are important to and for them.
Founded by Susan Perlik in 1987 with the belief that everyone deserves a safe, supportive, and integrated place to call home, we support 44 individuals either in their own homes or licensed group homes or ICF in Northern Virginia. As a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, we are committed to being effective stewards of the funds we receive to support the men and women of CLA. More importantly, we are committed to making sure that work to building relationships with each individual we support as well as their loved ones. We don't take lightly the trust individuals and their families put in us to ensure the needs of each person are met. We know that every person we support has value and dreams. Whether or not they are verbal, ambulatory, and regardless of co-occurring diagnoses we find a way to communicate, build rapport, and find those meaningful experiences that make a real difference in someone's life. CLA promotes the individual development and enhancement of daily living skills, participation in community and involvement with family and friends. We provide residential supports that meet the unique needs of each individual and work in close collaboration with county support coordinators, families and experts to develop the appropriate person centered plan of services. Relationships are the basis for all of the work we do. Whether a staff member has worked with an individual for 30 years or 30 days, there is an emphasis on dignity, respect, choice and collaboration.
