Latest news with #intellectualdisabilities
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Brighter Days Celebrates Four Years of Delivering Exceptional Support to Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
06/06/2025, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Brighter Days, a provider of in-home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, commemorates its fourth anniversary. Founded with a mission to deliver relationship-centered support to a population typically underserved by traditional providers, it has spent nearly the last half-decade improving lives through meaningful connection, purposeful care, and persistent commitment to inclusion. 'This company started as an idea from frustration with the lack of quality care and the impersonal way services were being delivered,' David Brown, founder and CEO of Brighter Days, says. 'I wanted to build something better, and I poured every ounce of passion, experience, and energy I had into creating an agency that truly puts people first. Four years later, I'm proud of what we've accomplished, but even more grateful for the relationships we've built.' Brown drew on years of experience as a behavior specialist, program manager, and direct support professional, as well as a business degree from a top-ranked university, to create a service provider that combines professional excellence and a community-rooted approach. Brighter Days' services are designed to empower individuals in home and community settings. Through tailored In-Home and Community Support services, clients receive help with daily needs and personal goals. Meanwhile, its Community Participation Support offers meaningful opportunities for community engagement and social inclusion. The company has also become known for offering unique and impactful social groups. These gatherings are bridges to lasting friendships, romantic relationships, and a sense of belonging. For individuals with intellectual disabilities who might face isolation due to structural and social barriers, these relationships can be life-changing. Brighter Days understands that true support goes beyond logistics. It's about human connection. Within its first year, Brighter Days experienced exponential growth. That early momentum reflected the trust that families and referral partners quickly placed in the company's values and vision. By the second year, Brighter Days had already established itself as a reliable partner in the lives of a significant number of individuals and their families. These are the clients who had previously struggled to find the right fit and who finally felt seen, heard, and supported. Brighter Days never lost its small-agency feel despite its rapid growth. Brown made a conscious choice early on to resist the common pitfalls of scaling, such as diluted services, impersonal care, and staff burnout. 'We doubled down on what made our organization special: meaningful relationships, high-touch service, and community-first thinking,' says Brown. 'We personally reassured clients who were concerned about being 'just another number.' That commitment has endured across county lines and service areas. 'One family told us they were shocked after learning how much our company expanded because, to them, it still felt like they were one of the only families being served,' the founder says. That, Brown says, is by design. Key to this integrity has been Brighter Days' approach to staffing. When many providers were struggling to hire during the post-COVID labor crunch, Brighter Days stood out by offering what was then an industry-leading wage. This forward-thinking strategy attracted the right applicants: people who love this work, who believe in the mission, and who treat their clients with the same care and respect they would show their own families. 'Quality care starts with quality staff, and that means investing in them accordingly,' Brown says. Brighter Days' vision is ambitious yet grounded. Brown emphasizes that growth isn't about chasing numbers or profits. It's about meeting real needs with real integrity. He states: 'There are so many people across this country who deserve genuine, high-quality, relationship-based care. We'll continue to offer exactly that.' Media Contact Name: David Brown Email: [email protected]
Washington Post
10-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Clemson president tackled with hug at graduation: ‘Best video ever'
When Grace Clements walked across the stage at her university's commencement ceremony this week, she leaped onto the school president and gave him a giant bear hug — bringing him straight to the ground. Jim Clements, the president of Clemson University, is Grace Clements's father. Grace Clements, 25, just graduated from the school's ClemsonLIFE program, a postsecondary degree for students with intellectual disabilities.
