Mid 1990’sOut of frustration over the “wait-list” dilemma, parents of DD adults began meeting at the ARC of Washington County to sort out needs for support services, employment, and housing options. Groups formed naturally along the lines of these needs, and some groups began to meet on their own. One such group, focusing mainly on housing needs, became Washington County Families for Independent Living, in 1996, and met twice monthly to continue the dialogue, identify needs, and ways to meet them. Milestones of our growth:

• 1996: Registered with the State of Oregon and became incorporated
• 1998: Received tax-exempt status under the IRS Code Sec. 501 (c) (3)
• 1999: Partnered with TVHP (Tualatin Valley Housing Partners), a non-profit affordable housing development company.
• 2000: Began discussions with TVHP, when they received a land grant from the City of Beaverton through a Community Block Development Grant, to design a 15-unit apartment community for adults with developmental disabilities; sought grants to fund the project.
• 2001: Became a board-governed organization; held a directors training workshop
• 2002: Significantly increased advocacy, visibility, and political activity through networking; “The Bridge” received full funding through HUD; appointed representative to the Bridge Board.
• 2003: Appointed first official Networking Director; joined the Housing Advocacy Group as the only housing advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities; planned for a website; formalized fundraising for specific needs; shaped vision for operations and activities for residents of The Bridge; outlined roles for resident and advocate councils.
• 2004: Official groundbreaking for construction of “The Bridge”; discovered counterparts in Yamhill County, FUFIL (Families United for Independent Living); invited guest speakers to help define new projects; commissioned new logo; held first board retreat.
• 2005: Official grand opening of The Bridge; secured qualified manager and resident services coordinator; Advocate and Resident Councils formed; received grant for washer/dryers and hookups in each unit; partnered with ASAP, a group of parents with children soon to graduate from high school; partnered with TVHP to develop several units for FFIL and ASAP in their new project at Merlo Station.
• 2006: Expanded board of directors; continued participation on TVHP project at Merlo Station; opened discussion on need for 24/7 care project.
• 2007-2008: The Independent Living Program was launched to prepare new residents for independent living; Focused Advocates for Choice and Empowering Solutions (FACES), a consortium of Oregon non-profits was formed; the official grand opening of Merlo Station Apartments; 29 residents moved into new apartments at Merlo Station.
• 2009: FFIL sponsors Housing Independence, a newly forming non-profit with a mission to provide safe and affordable housing and programs to adults with developmental disabilities.