More space, more impact
Vita Living, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing vital support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has been an integral part of Westchase District for nearly a decade. The organization, the largest tenant at 3300 S. Gessner Rd., has recently undergone an exciting renovation to enhance its services which continue to transform lives for the better.
“Vita Living was founded with one simple mission: to provide a ‘Vital Life’ for our clients,” said Joe Cooper, the organization’s CEO for the past 12 years. Known as a “turn around guy,” Cooper’s specialty was coming into organizations to get them back on track before handing them off to long-term leaders. That was the original goal when he came to Vita Living, but he fell in love with the clients so much, he couldn’t leave.
“Our founder, Renée Wallace, started this because she couldn’t find the support she needed for her son Ricky who is still a client here,” Cooper added.
The organization began in 1982 with a single group home for six adults with IDD. It has since grown to manage 20 group homes across the city, offering a mix of independent living opportunities and daily support services. Today, Vita Living also serves more than 300 non-residential clients, helping them access critical case management services, medical care and life skills programs.
A community hub
The organization’s Activity Center, a pivotal part of its services, opened in 2016 providing educational and social programs for clients. “We offer everything from arts and crafts to problem-solving challenges and even dance classes,” said Richard Graber, Vita Living’s chief development officer. “It’s all about helping our clients gain independence and thrive in the community. These activities help them build skills they will use every day, whether that’s cooking, communicating or simply getting along with others.”
Prior to opening the Activity Center in Westchase District, Vita Living had to bus clients to day programs scattered across the city. Some faced commutes of up to 90 minutes. Moving to Westchase drastically reduced commute times, allowing clients to spend more time in their programs and less time traveling.
“We’ve really seen the difference it makes,” Cooper said. “Instead of long bus rides, we’re now just 20 minutes away from most of our clients. That time savings alone has allowed us to provide more care and support during the day.”
$1M investment expands services
Vita Living’s impact has grown in recent years, particularly after the organization made a substantial investment in its infrastructure to comply with new state regulations aimed at increasing community access for individuals with IDD. But the state-mandated expansion came with no additional state funding. The organization invested approximately $1 million in this renovation project, made possible through donations and generous tenant improvements from the property’s owner Tom Flanagan. The fully updated space was officially opened in November 2024.
“We knocked out walls, remodeled bathrooms, updated flooring and windows and even created a new patio area,” said Cooper. “It’s been a two-and-a-half-year project and we’re thrilled to see it finally come to life. What’s been amazing is that the state has increased our capacity. We were previously approved for 90 clients in the day program and now we can serve 160.”
Meeting evolving needs
For many of Vita Living’s clients, the organization is more than just a service provider—it’s a family. With 65% of their clients having no known or living family, the support Vita Living offers is essential. “At one time, life expectancy for adults with the diagnoses we serve was typically in the 20s or 30s,” said Graber. “Now, with advances in medical care and the daily support they receive from our nurse and case management staff, they are outliving their parents. In fact, our oldest client is 80.”
How the community can get involved
As the number of clients they serve has increased, Vita Living is looking for new ways to connect with the community and keep its programs thriving. Volunteers are crucial to the center’s success. From helping clients with arts and crafts to assisting with bingo games or supporting special events, there’s always an opportunity to get involved.
The Day Center is a hub of activity Monday through Friday. Volunteers can assist with everything from arts and crafts to relay races, group exercise and of course, bingo — a crowd favorite held on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. Shifts are available from 10 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 2:30 p.m., with staff on hand to help volunteers find an activity they’ll enjoy.
Twice a month, the Day Center transforms for Friday night parties that include music, dancing, food, bingo and holiday celebrations. Volunteers can help set up, serve snacks, offer themed activities or just spend time with the clients. Themes have included everything from Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day to a 50’s style sock hop and Halloween trunk-or-treat. “It’s the best Friday night out you will have with the sweetest people,” said Graber. “Our clients love to dance and have fun and their happiness is infectious.”
During the holiday season, Vita Living offers an especially meaningful way to give back through their Adopt-A-Client program. With so many clients lacking family support, this program ensures they experience the joy of the season. “It’s a simple yet powerful way to show our clients they are loved and cared for,” Graber explained. “During the holidays, you get matched with one of our clients. You can either go out and purchase gifts yourself off their wish list or make a financial donation and we will buy the gifts.” Groups can also adopt an entire group home, providing presents or essential items like kitchenware or bathroom necessities.
Vita Living also welcomes financial donations year-round to help sustain its programs and provide crucial services to the community.
Success stories
Vita Living’s impact is best captured through the stories of its clients. Joey is a young man with autism, OCD, and seizure disorders as well as other behavioral challenges. His family first connected with Vita Living through their Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) program, but it quickly became clear he needed more comprehensive support.
After considering many options, Joey’s father chose Vita Living, where Joey has thrived. The dedicated staff helped Joey develop essential skills and routines that have stabilized his behavior. Now, Joey calls Vita Living home and while he loves spending weekends with his family, he is always excited to return to his Vita Living family where he feels safe and supported.
For more information on volunteering or donating, visit vitaliving.org.
