Day Spring

Mission: Day Spring provides a path forward for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that cultivate hope, belonging, and community.

Vision: We envision every person being valued and having a path forward regardless of ability.

Day Spring is the astounding outcome of years of tireless work by parents of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In the early 1990s, Jack and Gladys Ford saw a regrettably limited amount of alternatives for their children. They only found options available in isolated housing or large institutions.

What they envisioned was an integrated community of residents, families, board members, volunteers, and friends all striving to support the residents in living a rich and joyful life.

The Ford family’s tenacity and vision brought together contributions and support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Kentucky State Legislature, the City of Louisville and Board of Alderman, the Archdiocese of Louisville, Seven County Services, New Directions Housing, and others to create a very special place: Day Spring.

In April of 1994, ground was broken for the first Day Spring residences in Louisville. Jack famously said: "We will no longer refer to ‘my friend’ or ‘your family,’ but rather our Day Spring family." For those with sons and daughters aspiring for a life of choices, Day Spring finally answered: "What is next for me?"

Day Spring provides homes to families who seek exceptional care and joy for their loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our diverse agency serves people with disabilities across the seven Kentucky county region. Day Spring takes pride in a unifying mission that celebrates individuality, through residential supports, Family Home Providers, and The College for Living life skills training program.

Day Spring staff are committed to discovering creative and innovative approaches to transforming the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our enthusiastic team of dedicated, well-trained staff provide high-quality person-centered supports and services for adults with developmental disabilities.