OUR STORY
Center for Social Change is a private nonprofit organization that supports children and adults with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder. Since 1993, it has been providing various services including residential, vocational, supported employment, medical adult day, therapeutic integration for children with autism, volunteering opportunities, and advocacy.
The first individuals that CSC supported residentially in the community came from Rosewood Center, Maryland's largest State institution. Because these individuals had lived in the State institution for 30 to 40 years, their transition into community life presented immense challenges. They were successfully integrated, and today continue to enjoy their lives in settings where they make choices about menus, activities, the decor of their homes, and the staff who support them.
Over the years since 1993, CSC expanded its services to support more individuals with challenging behaviors, medically fragile conditions, and autism across many counties of Maryland. Vacations, picnics, bowling, movies, and shopping at malls became routine choices for the individuals we serve — and where individuals are not able to exercise that choice directly, surrogate decision-makers assist them in the task.
Our Vision is to provide programs and services to individuals with developmental disabilities and related disorders, including autism, so they can live and work in the community and exercise their rights, choice, and freedom — living independent of institutional life through the integrated efforts of change agents passionate about changing the lives of people with disabilities throughout the world.
REAL STORIES
"Before taking up residence with Center for Social Change nearly 18 years ago, Edwin B. had lived with both of his sisters."
"Janet N's mother remembers the changes that took place in their lives after Janet became sick. When it was clear to her mom that she wouldn't be able to handle caring for Janet at home after one of Janet's hospitalizations, the hospital staff who assisted her suggested that she contact Center for Social Change."
"For many parents, the decision to move their adult child with a developmental disability from their home to the care of another is a difficult one. For some who made such decisions long ago, it is often difficult to remember what went into the decision making."
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley declared November 8, 2008 as "Center for Social Change Day" in recognition of 15 years of exceptional service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland since 1993.
📍 6600 Amberton Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075
📞 410-579-6789
✉ info@centerforsocialchange.org
