Who We Are

Alvord-Taylor Independent Living Services exists to assist people with disabilities to live quality lives in their communities.  We provide services to 50 adults in the Springfield-Eugene area through our 24-hour residential support homes and our Independent Living Program.

Alvord-Taylor began in June of 1969.  Springfield community members, including parents, special education teachers, vocational counselors, and others, were concerned by the lack of community based alternatives to state institutions like Fairview.  The group believed that, with transitional housing and training in independent living skills, many young people graduating from local special education programs could have increased access to opportunities and independence in their daily lives.
With the financial backing of our local benefactor, John Alvord, and help from the Lane Association for Retarded Children, the first group home was opened in October of 1970.  During the 1970’s the demand for the de-institutionalization of individuals grew, and in October of 1974, Alvord-Taylor opened a second group home to undertake a pilot program serving 10 individuals needing an intensive and challenging level of support. 

The services provided by Alvord-Taylor Inc. expanded once again in May 1980 when another pilot project evolved into the Independent Living Program.  The Independent Living program supports individuals who are transitioning to their own homes or apartments or currently live on their own, but still benefit from continued support as-needed.  ILP clients set-up schedules with staff for assistance in budgeting, medical needs, appointments, or any other area where they want or need support. 

 This spring, we are celebrating the transition of two clients from an Alvord-Taylor group home to their own apartment.  It is Alvord-Taylor’s mission to provide the resources and support needed to help our clients become as independent as they can and we are thrilled to be a part of this transition process—before, during, and after. 

Alvord-Taylor depends on individual donor support as well as government contracts to support our programs.  We rely on community support to ensure access to activities and events are available to all of our clients, not just those who can afford it.  We are a 503 (c)(3) and all donations, both money and in-kind, are tax deductible. 

Founded to serve community members with developmental disabilities, the organization has repeatedly responded to changing social values and evolving needs. Alvord Taylor Independent Living Services continues to provide state-of-the-art, individualized programs for people with developmental disabilities in our community.