Community Living with Dignity
Our Sponsored Homes program supports adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live in a safe, welcoming home with a trained provider. Each person is supported in a way that reflects who they are, their routines, goals, and what matters most to them, while staying active in their community.
What is a Sponsored Home?
A Sponsored Home is a private residence where an adult with developmental or intellectual disabilities lives with a trained caregiver. Together, they share a home where daily support, life skills, and community connections help create a stable, family-like environment.
Contact Our Team
Interested in becoming a provider or learning more? Our team can answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Phone: 757-965-8631
What Our Homes Provide
A warm, personal environment with 24/7 support.
Help with cooking, cleaning, shopping, and daily routines.
Encouragement and transportation for social activities, jobs, and hobbies.
Frequently Asked Questions
We serve adults (18+) in Virginia with a documented developmental or intellectual disability who are eligible for or receiving the Medicaid Community Living Waiver.
Individuals are referred through case managers, support coordinators, or partner agencies. We work closely with families and professionals to find the right match based on needs, preferences, and compatibility.
We take time to understand each person’s routines, interests, and support needs. Matches are made carefully to ensure a safe, stable, and supportive home environment.
Support is based on each person’s needs and goals. This may include help with daily routines, building life skills, attending appointments, and staying connected to the community.
Yes. Families are an important part of each person’s life. We encourage ongoing communication and involvement based on the individual’s preferences.
Our team provides ongoing oversight, training, and 24/7 support to ensure each home remains safe, stable, and person-centered.
Yes. Start by contacting your Community Service Board case manager to request placement with The Up Center. They will help ensure you have the correct documentation.
If you do not have a case manager and are new to the process, please contact your local Social Services office to request a Medicaid Community Living Waiver.
If you have any further questions:
Find out how and what it takes to become a Sponsored Home Provider.
Real Voices
Meet the Team
Meet the Team
As the Clinician Supervisor for The Up Center’s Sponsored Homes program, I oversee client intake, quality assurance, and the supervision of clinicians who support individuals and families throughout the placement process. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Crisis Counseling from Liberty University, and my experience as an ABA therapist, Direct Support Professional (DSP), and Certified NCI Nonviolence Instructor helps me provide meaningful support to the individuals and families we serve.
I am passionate about helping individuals find safe, loving homes where they can build confidence, gain independence, and thrive. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the pride and joy individuals experience as they reach goals they once thought were out of reach. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and collecting books, and I hope to have my own mini library one day.
As Program Manager for The Up Center’s Sponsored Homes program, I supervise Direct Support Staff, support sponsor home development, and help connect individuals with available homes as referrals are received. I also serve as the department’s Risk Manager, overseeing the review and tracking of care concerns. With more than 35 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field, I am committed to helping individuals find supportive environments where they can thrive.
What I enjoy most about my work is the strong relationships built between individuals, families, sponsors, and staff. Together, we create a family-like environment where everyone is invested in each person’s success and well-being. Outside of work, I enjoy adventure and the outdoors. You might find me kayaking for days at a time or caring for my chickens and honey bees at home.
Looking for More Information?
Use this form to contact our team. We’ll be in touch within two business days.
