Community Living Alliance (CLA) is a community-based, non-profit organization providing services and community resources for all people with disabilities and chronic illnesses and for older adults. CLA was founded by people with disabilities, health care professionals and concerned citizens. CLA’s history spans over two decades and is firmly rooted in supporting the values of the independent living philosophy.

The vision established then is still very much alive today. That vision is simply to improve access to services, develop responsive programs, listen to the voices of people with disabilities and older adults and honor the desire for independence and self-determination.

CLA is committed to designing programs and offering services that minimize the challenges faced by clients. CLA achieves this by providing services, such as personal care, chore services and service coordination, that support individuals living independently in their homes and communities.

CLA adheres to the following operational principles to achieve its mission:

• Provide services that treat clients as dignified individuals with responsibilities and rights
• Encourage clients to self-direct services to the greatest extent possible
• Provide information necessary for clients to make informed decisions
• Offer quality services on a timely basis
• Work to improve the attitudes and practices of human services and health care professions toward people with disabilities
• Support the participation of clients in the community
• Adapt services to meet the changing needs of clients
• Utilize public and private resources effectively and equitably to carry out clients' individual service plans
• Make a positive contribution to the community