Our Programs

The faces are real, the smiles are genuine, and their lifestyle is richer because of the services they receive from Hope Haven.

For more than 45 years, Hope Haven has been the dedicated force in our community empowering individuals with developmental disabilities.

Through various programs and dedicated staff members, Hope Haven has made our community a better place to live.

What is a Developmental Disability

As defined by the Federal Developmental Disabilities Act of 1978, a developmental disability is any severe or chronic disability which is:

  • attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of both
  • manifested before the age of 22
  • likely to continue indefinitely
  • reflected by a need for a sequence of special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services of a lifelong or extended duration
  • associated with substantial functional limitations in at least three of the following areas:
    • self-care
    • receptive or expressive language
    • learning
    • mobility
    • self-direction
    • capacity for independent living
    • economic self-sufficiency

Programs We Offer

Service Eligibility

Hope Haven's services are available to any individual with a primary diagnosis of mental retardation who resides in Athens and the surrounding area. Age requirements vary by program.

Hope Haven provides a variety of programs designed to empower individuals with developmental disabilities.

Day Habilitation

Aimed primarily at the development, acquisition, enhancement and maintenance of skills which further an individual's ability to function independently at home and in the community, Day Habilitation services are offered to individuals who require intensive habilitation.

Day Habilitation is designed to facilitate maximum growth by creating opportunities for those with disabilities to participate socially and physically in community activities.

Day Support

Designed to assist individuals to improve upon and retain daily life skills, the Day Support program incorporates community activities, facility-based training, prevocational activities, and supported employment.

Natural Support

Focused on developing and strengthening the skills necessary for individuals with developmental disabilities to live more independently in the community, Natural Support works to create a valued role within the individual's personal network by providing direct skills training and tools to build effective relationships.

Personal Support

Anchored in self-help skills, health care, communication, interpersonal relationships, mobility, home management, use of leisure time, daily living activities, recreation and other community activities, Personal Support prepares individuals for independent living.

Supported Employment

Targeted toward individuals who desire competitive employment, Supported Employment encourages active participation in community life.

Hope Haven staff acts as a liaison between the individual and the employer to ensure the employment situation benefits both parties.

Respite Care

Intended to give families temporary relief from the continuous care required of their loved one with developmental disabilities, Respite benefits both the individual and their family.

Respite offers the individual a break from their daily routine and increased opportunities for community integration while giving family members a much needed break.

Mission Statement

Hope Haven believes in the uniqueness, worth, dignity, and right to self-determination of every individual. We strive to prepare, empower, and support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the community.