From Dependence to Possibility

Imagine your childhood bedroom.
The color of the bedspread, the worn spot on the carpet, the little details that made it yours.

Now imagine still living there today, at your current age, because no one ever believed you could leave. No one ever expected you to build a life on your own, get a job, or have a place that truly felt like home.

Just like their peers in traditional college settings, young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are eager to take that next step toward adulthood. But, for many the path after high school is unclear and unsupported. The routines, friendships, and structures they previously relied on disappears overnight, leaving young adults to rebuild their future without the tools they need, and leaving families feeling like they are standing at the edge of a cliff.

College for Living was created to change that story!
It is Louisville’s only residential life-skills training program designed specifically for young adults with IDD who want to build independence but lack a bridge between childhood and adulthood. Our students experience a low-risk trial run at adulthood, gaining community, confidence, and the practical skills needed to truly live on their own terms.

Parents describe the transformation as life-changing. Students who once doubted their abilities now live independently, maintain employment, manage their homes, navigate transportation, volunteer, build friendships, and contribute to our city as capable, valued adults. They are redefining what society assumes people with disabilities can achieve, and in doing so, they’re helping Louisville become a more inclusive community for everyone.

A Growing Solution to a Growing Need

The demand is undeniable. Last year, when our program transitioned into a larger campus building, College for Living expanded from serving 6 residential students to 18, with additional commuter students and ongoing alumni support. This growth is essential. Kentucky’s disability service system leaves thousands of families waiting more than a decade for meaningful supports through the Medicaid waiver system.

As enrollment increases, so does our responsibility to strengthen the program, enhance learning environments, and build capacity for the next generation of students and families searching for answers. This isn’t just charity—it’s impact investing. Every dollar you give builds pathways to independence, transforms lives, and strengthens our community for generations to come.

Why Your Support Matters

College for Living is a private-pay program operating outside of Medicaid funding, intentionally built to offer an option that doesn’t require waiting the average 10–20 years for a Medicaid supported waiver. But even with sliding-scale tuition and scholarships, philanthropy remains the heartbeat of this program.

Your generosity directly empowers young adults who are ready to work toward independence but need a place structured for their success. It provides:

• Modernized classroom, kitchen, and learning spaces
• Updated dorm-style living environments
• Individualized instruction, mentorship, and community experiences
• Transportation, employment development, and safety training
• Access to a peer community that reinforces confidence and belonging 

This Is Impact Investing

A gift to College for Living is more than charity, it is an investment with measurable returns.

• For individuals: independence becomes possible.
• For families: the fear of the future is replaced with peace of mind.
• For our community: Louisville gains engaged neighbors, dedicated employees, and young adults who contribute to our local economy and culture.

This is how we replace dependency with opportunity. This is how we build a Louisville where every person, regardless of ability, has a path forward. And this is how your support creates bold, independent futures!