About Us

Day Spring groundbreaking ceremony - 1994

OUR HISTORY

Day Spring is the astounding outcome of years of tireless work by parents of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In the early 1990s, Jack and Gladys Ford saw a regrettably limited amount of alternatives for their children. They only found options available in isolated housing or large institutions.

What they envisioned was an integrated 

community of residents, families, board members, volunteers, and friends all striving to support the residents in living a rich and joyful life.

The Ford family’s tenacity and vision brought together contributions and support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Kentucky State Legislature, the City of Louisville and Board of Alderman, the Archdiocese of Louisville, Seven County Services, New Directions Housing, and others to create a very special place: Day Spring.

In April of 1994, ground was broken for the first Day Spring residences in Louisville. Jack famously said: "We will no longer refer to ‘my friend’ or ‘your family,’ but rather our Day Spring family." For those with sons and daughters aspiring for a life of choices, Day Spring finally answered: "What is next for me?"

THE DREAM CONTINUES

From two original homes, Day Spring has continued to grow and serve increasing numbers of individuals in a variety of residential settings designed to meet each individual’s needs and abilities. Day Spring is honored to continue to grow in services based on resident interests and abilities both at home and in the community.

In the fall of 2016, a merger between Day Spring and Community Living, Inc. greatly expanded our capacity to provide services. For a combined 62+ years, Day Spring and Community Living have empowered people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives. Now able to provide Family Home Providers, the merger offered an opportunity to operate long-term in a financially sound manner while taking advantage of the combined strengths and efficiencies of each organization.

Day Spring provides homes to families who seek exceptional care and joy for their loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our diverse agency serves people with disabilities across the seven Kentucky county region. Day Spring takes pride in a unifying mission that celebrates individuality.

Day Spring staff are committed to discovering creative and innovative approaches to transforming the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our enthusiastic team of dedicated, well-trained staff provide high-quality person-centered supports and services for adults with developmental disabilities.

Our services embrace what it means to be person-centered. Day Spring gives care guided and informed by the residents' goals, preferences, while focusing specific care on the needs of individual. We ensure choices and options are given to residents based on their unique and individualized wants, interests and needs. Our person centered services shine through 24/7 staff residential support for daily living, community access services, transportation assistance, financial management and community living supports.