Connect. Grow. Belong.
Community Engagement at ELS helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build real connections, develop meaningful skills, and take an active role in the communities they call home.
What Is Community Engagement?
Community Engagement is a waiver-funded service that supports individuals to participate in their community in small, personalized groups of 1–3 people. Sessions are scheduled flexibly between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, built entirely around each individual's goals, interests, and availability. The service is community-based — the ELS center serves as an arrival and departure hub, not a program site. Transportation is included or available through Modivcare depending on individual needs.
Real Relationships
Groups of 1–3 people — not large group programming. More individual attention, more flexibility, more choice.
Skill Development
From communication and self-advocacy to budgeting and cooking, we help individuals grow in the areas that matter most to them.
Community Presence
Transportation is included or available through Modivcare depending on individual needs. We go where the community is — local businesses, parks, events, and organizations.
Flexible Scheduling
Sessions run anytime between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, built around the individual's goals, availability, and interests — not a fixed center calendar.
What Community Engagement Looks Like
Activities are guided by each person's interests and goals. Here are some examples of what individuals do through this service.
Who Is Eligible?
Community Engagement is available to individuals who are enrolled in one of the following Virginia Medicaid waivers. Not sure which waiver applies? Contact our intake team — we're happy to help.
Community Living Waiver
AcceptedSupports adults with ID/DD living in the community, including those in sponsored residential settings.
Family & Individual Supports Waiver
AcceptedSupports adults with ID/DD who live with family or independently and need community-based services.
Building Independence Waiver
AcceptedSupports adults with ID/DD who are working toward greater independence in daily life and community participation.
How Community Engagement Differs from Day Support
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a tour to see our program in action, or make a referral to get the process started. Our intake team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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