About Us

Mission Statement

Vita-Living provides lifelong services and supports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to promote personal growth toward a satisfying, safe and meaningful life in the community.

Vision

To be recognized as the leading provider of creative and caring services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and as the employer of choice of those who provide those services.

Our Story

Renee and Stan Wallace took their son, Rick, out of an institution in 1976 because he was not receiving the services he needed. Professionals said that Rick's problems, which included mental retardation, hyperactivity, and non-verbalization, could not be helped. The Wallaces did not believe them. Instead, they pioneered Vita-Living. Inc.

Vita-Living provided a breakthrough in the quality of life for Rick and others like him. From that first six-person home opened in 1985 to the more than 450 individuals currently served, Vita-Living's philosophy has always been, "We keep trying until we succeed!" Lives change for the better through intensive attention to the physical and emotional needs of the people served. Because of this dedication to lifelong service, individualized treatment plans and positive involvement in our community, Vita-Living is a 501c(3) non-profit organization and is recognized as a leader in the delivery of services to persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Currently Vita-Living, Inc. provides services through three major Medicaid programs ICF/MR (Intermediate Care Facilities for persons with Mental Retardation), HCS (Home and Community-Based Services) and CLASS (Community Living Assistance and Support Services) in Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris, Madagorda, Montgomery , Waller and Wharton counties. All of these programs and the counties served under each program are described in the Program link. Vita-Living has added new programs and services through out the years and continues to be innovative in approaches to health care, behavioral supports and in residential options.

The Vita-Living Board or Directors and senior management have a combined average of more than 10 years each with the organization and many more years of professional experience in the field of disability services. Approximately 165 employees are dedicated to the Vita-Living mission of providing the supports and services necessary for a satisfying, safe and meaningful life for our consumers and peace of mind for their families and loved ones.

Board of Directors

David Bishop, Chair
President & Owner, Bishop Lifting Products, Inc.

Naomi Dempsey, Secretary / Treasurer
Parent/Advocate

Thomas A. Bond
Retired University Administrator

Taylor Mallia
Strategic Philanthropy Director, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Nataly Marks
JP Morgan Chase Bank

Mallory Robinson
Advocate

Richard Rosenberg
Attorney

Sue J. Sheridan, Ed. D.
Educational Consultant

Andrew Wallace, Ph.D.
Professor of Philosophy, Sonoma State University

Forrest Wynn
Attorney, Beirne, Maynard & Parsons, LLP

David Leatham
Ex Officio, Executive Director
Vita-Living, Inc.

Craig Felderhoff
Ex Officio, Chief Financial Officer