Louisville Diversified Services is Kentucky’s largest provider of vocational services for adults with mental retardation. A Metro United Way agency and 501(C)(3) charitable organization, LDS programs free up caregivers to hold jobs or to enjoy needed respite. LDS board and staff members are energetic, visionary and whole-heartedly committed to our mission.
Our main offices are located at 410 W. Chestnut Street, Suite 900, Louisville, KY 40202. We operate three programs, each designed to help the people we support contribute to the community.
1. Job Placement
In this program we help adults with mental retardation get and keep their own independent jobs. LDS makes a long-term commitment to each client. We provide job coaches who serve as advocates and mentors for clients on the job. When necessary, we help our clients find new jobs. We support 230 people in jobs throughout the Louisville area. LDS participants work at groceries, factories, restaurants, the University, and many of the businesses you frequent daily.
2. Small Businesses
LDS operates several small businesses of its own: a commercial laundry operation at the V.A. Medical Center, three contracts with UPS Supply Chain Solutions, a janitorial business, and a landscaping business. Besides maintaining landscapes around the city, the landscaping crew is also building an “enabling garden” on the back side of the Ursuline Campus. The plan includes raised wheelchair accessible garden beds, a hothouse, and native meadow grasses.
LDS small businesses provide employment for over 100 adults with special needs and generate over $1,000,000 in gross revenues per year. Each business seeks to be financially self-sustaining and is “community based.” That is, we work in typical work settings rather than in sheltered workshops. However, since these are our own businesses, we can structure the work environment to account for our employees’ limitations. As a result, we are able to offer meaningful employment to many people who could not work independently. A tremendous sense of teamwork and fellowship at each business makes it possible for us to succeed in very competitive work situations.
3. Day Programs
LDS Day Programs are designed to help individuals requiring significant support to spend their days with meaning and hope. Each adult is provided opportunities to pursue vocational interests, participate in recreational activities, learn daily living skills, and enhance their communication skills.
We serve approximately 40 adults with moderate to profound developmental disabilities. We actively seek partnerships with neighborhood businesses and organizations. Day programs are located at Calvin Presbyterian Church on Rudy Lane, StudioWorks on 4th Street, Valley Day Program on West Pages Lane, and the Garden House on the Ursuline Campus.
To learn more about us please contact us by clicking here.
View our latest financial information and 990 at Guidestar click here. (We are incorporated as CGM Inc.)
To view our 2005 Annual Report click here. (92k Microsoft Publisher Document)
