Community Resources

The Arc of Oakland County advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities. They strive to improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire our community and influence public policy. 

Common Ground provides a lifeline for individuals and families in crisis, victims of crime, persons with mental illness, people trying to cope with critical situations and runaway and homeless youths. Helping people in need for 40 years, Common Ground serves more than 40,000 individuals per year. The majority of services are free of charge and 91 percent of every dollar received goes to direct service. 

We have been providing supports and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for decades. Our Supports Coordinators are on the front lines every day, accessing resources in communities, helping find employment and volunteer opportunities and working toward a future of independence and freedom for those that we serve.

Click here to read more about our history.


Dutton Farms offers day programs that support adults with disabilities to live a life of purpose and dignified inclusion. Program participants are involved in the maintenance of a working farm, tend farm animals, create micro-business products, and participate in social and community experiences.  



Together, we are leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people with disabilities, families and communities.

Click here to read a letter from Easterseals MORC CEO Brent Wirth and Chief Transition Officer Dennis Bott on why we merged and the opportunities this new partnership brings for the communities we serve.

While we are currently in the process of merging the Easterseals and MORC websites together, you can click here to learn more about Easterseals services.


Friendship Circle of Michigan is a non-profit organization affiliated with Lubavitch of Michigan. Our goal is to provide every individual with special needs the support friendship and inclusion that they deserve. Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to 3,000 individuals with special needs and their families by providing recreational, social, educational and vocational programming. In addition to helping those in need, the Friendship Circle enriches its vast network of volunteers by enabling them to rep the rewards of selfless giving. Friendship Circle also provides support to individuals and families struggling with isolation, addiction and other family-related crises.

The Friendship Circle operates Soul Projects out of the Farber Center in West Bloomfield. The Soul Center is an inclusive environment that encourages artistic self-expression, vocational training, and employment opportunities to adults with special needs including an Art Studio, Soul Café Restaurant, and the Soul Café Training Program

Free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a replicable playhouse model. Gigi's Playhouse is located in Southfield. 

Judson Center's Vocational (employment) Services program exists to promote growth, opportunity and independence for individuals with disabilities by developing inclusive, community-based employment options.

Lahser Prevocational Center provides services and opportunities to individuals with disabilities and offer an array of services including skill building, pre-vocational and vocational services and is committed to ensuring that participants are afforded the same access to the community as those who do not have disabilities. 

Programs at Living & Learning Enrichment Center in Northville assist people with autism and/or other special needs to attain valuable employment skills and achieve gainful employment within a diverse, inclusive environment.  In addition, social skills programs and clubs and offered as well as  community work placements, and a Cybersecurity Certification Program for adults with disabilities.

We are a statewide network of vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals developing creative, customized solutions that meet the needs of individuals and business. We deliver individualized services that assist potential employees with differing abilities to prepare for, pursue and retain careers. We partner with business in employee development, business consulting and corporate relations. We are committed to building the workforce of tomorrow... today. 

Mission: Develop customized workforce solutions for businesses and individuals with disabilities.

Vision: A diverse and inclusive workforce that unites businesses and individuals with disabilities toward a common good.


New Gateways, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Waterford, MI that aims to enrich the lives of adults (26+ years) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We do this by enhancing and supporting skills that promote independent choice and opportunity for meaningful community inclusion.

Maximizing Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities and providing    employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment


The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (commonly known as OUCARES) encompasses the outreach services of the Oakland University Center for Autism. The mission of OUCARES is to improve the quality of life of individuals impacted by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) by offering quality and comprehensive programs across the lifespan.  

OUCARES now offers a variety of programs for people living with ASD age three through adulthood, their families and caregivers, and the broader community.  If you are looking for supports for an individual on the spectrum, OUCARES undoubtedly has a program or service that can be a resource for you.

At On My Own, we facilitate clients and staff to identify barriers, develop solutions, and to always follow through. We celebrate employees that use creativity, honesty and are responsive to the needs of our clients.

On My Own was founded on the three basic principles:


Founded in 2021, Our Neighborhood Academy is a fully accredited nonprofit organization that assists young adults with special needs as they transition from a school setting to independent living. Our students learn real world skills in a safe, caring and nurturing environment that is tailored to their needs. 

We strive to create a place where our young adults feel valued, respected, and have a genuine sense of accomplishment. Our customers will leave with a clear understanding of Our Neighborhood Academy and have a greater respect for young adults with special needs. 

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) through Michigan Rehabilitation Services is to assist students age 14 and over to successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment.  An Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan is developed and the plan includes details such as what classes will be taken the following year, extracurricular and volunteer activities and what Pre-ETS services the student will be participating in during the time as a transition client.  

Project SEARCH is a one-year, school transition program that provides training and education that may lead to employment for individuals with disabilities. The Project SEARCH model focuses on providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain marketable and transferable skills Locations in Oakland County include Henry Ford W. Bloomfield Hospital and Troy and Royal Oak Beaumont/Corewell Hospitals. Only students with an open case with Michigan Rehab Services are eligible for Project Search. 

Ready for Life offers programming for young adults 18-26 years of age who experience cognitive, learning and social disabilities.  Students have opportunities to have a college experience on a college campus and are challenged academically, build relationships, have work experiences and prepare for their transition into life post school.  There are 3 Ready for Life programs in Michigan:  Hope College in Holland, Calvin University in Grand Rapids and Ferris State University in Big Rapids.

Solutions for Adult Interdependent Living - finding housing solutions for adults with developmental disabilities.  SAIL encourages each family to be the architects of their loved ones’ housing solution – allowing them to live safely and independently.  SAIL members are committed to supporting one another to create unique housing solutions for an individual. Sail provides mentorship, education, and an opportunity to connect with others thru SAIL’s “Friendship Connect” and “SAILing Lessons.”