Friends of JCDS touches the lives of hundreds of people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities each year, with results that far exceed its relatively small size. Thanks to generous support from the community, Friends is able to reach out and address very real needs in a wide variety of ways.

Living Well

Finding an affordable, barrier-free place to live is a tremendous challenge for people with physical as well as mental disabilities. Read more about barrier-free living.

Doing Work and Breaking Barriers

For 35 years, JCDS has been helping men and women with disabilities become valuable employees. Read more about how Friends of JCDS promotes partnerships with local businesses and transforms lives through assistive technology.

Staying Healthy

We all need a little motivation when it comes to making lifestyle improvements, and people with developmental disabilities are no exception. Read about the Healthy Lifestyles project funded by Friends of JCDS.

Having Fun and Enriching Life

Nobody wants a life with all work and no play, so Friends of JCDS nurtures outlets for celebration, friendship and fun! Read more about the part social, recreational and educational activities plays in the lives of the developmentally disabled.

A Little Help From My Friends

It’s a simple fact that people with developmental disabilities typically don’t have a lot of money. Read about how Friends of JCDS provides a safety net of emergency support.