Who We Are
About Us
Since 1989, Willows Way has been providing support services for individuals with disabilities in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. We were one of the first agencies in Missouri to offer what is now known as Individualized Supported Living (ISL) services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our support model is based on the core values of integrity, care, connection, and respect for all individuals. We take pride in delivering teamwork and innovative services to those we support consistently.
Who We Serve
240
People Served in Programs (annually)1,360
People Served in Classes (annually)15
CommunityPartners
Mission, Vision, & Values Focusing on
Person-Centered Disability Support
Mission
Willows Way empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live a life beyond limits through personalized support and community engagement.
Vision
People of all abilities live a life they love.
Values
Teamwork
Create a collaborative and supportive work culture.
Respect
Connection
Build positive relationships.
Integrity
Caring
Provide person-centered, compassionate support in a safe environment.
Discover the History of Willows Way
Willows Way began as Home Assistance Services in 1989, founded by Kathy Williamson and Mary Owens in their home. Their dedication to improving lives inspired them to develop personal care services for the elderly, as well as respite care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Willows Way has expanded to include the Realities program, which provides support for individuals living independently for 2 to 12 hours each week.
Project HEART was launched, offering free health education classes, skills training, and resources in a small group setting to promote healthy habits, enhance relationships, and increase independence.
Willows Way began constructing our current location in 2005 and moved in February 2006, marking an important milestone in our growth. We occupied the lower level and shared the space with other companies to help manage costs effectively.
The RISE program was introduced as an alternative to traditional day habilitation, encouraging clients to participate in community service and organized activities to foster social connections.
We made significant progress by expanding RISE and relocating our administrative team to the vacant space on the upper level of our building. This expansion allowed us to install a new elevator, made possible through funding from DDRB, enhancing accessibility for everyone.
With the support of our other tenants, we were able to pay off the property, creating a solid foundation for future opportunities and growth. In 2021, we achieved a significant milestone by expanding into the entire building and growing the RISE program into a portion of the upper level.
Willows Way launched Mental Health Counseling Services for adults with disabilities, initially funded by a DDRB grant and now fully supported by private funds.
We offer significant value to our clients and the community through a combination of psychoeducation and therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, and play therapy. Our goal is to provide tailored, comprehensive care that empowers individuals to live life to the fullest.
We enhanced our space by adding a pavilion behind us that overlooks the lake. This improvement has allowed us to expand our programs and gatherings, providing a wonderful setting for our community to come together.
Through a generous American Rescue Plan Amendment (ARPA) grant from the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board, Willows Way was able to make some needed improvements to its administrative and program space.
We renovated the RISE program area downstairs to include dedicated classrooms and a gaming room. Thanks to the support of a local organization, we acquired high-tech and fully accessible equipment for our new gaming center.
Support Starts Here
We offer customized support and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to restore their sense of identity, comfort, and safety. Our focus is empowering individuals to lead a life without limitations through personalized care and community engagement. Our services are available in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. Contact us today to learn more about how you can be a part of Willows Way.