WELCOME TO NIA

Nia, the fifth day in the African American celebration of KWANZAA, means purpose; to rebuild the community and restore it to traditional greatness. A fitting name and mission for the organization dedicated to lifting up persons who are developmentally disabled and reconnecting them with self and society.

Two women who had a vision founded Nia Comprehensive Center in December, 1977 to provide an array of services for individuals with developmental disabilities so that they could be productive members of their communities and not be placed in institutions. To continue the purpose, programs were implemented to build the foundation for social aid. The original program empowered families to grow strong and from that seed grew ten new blossoms of strength: Client and Family Support; Intermission; Family Life Education, Employment/Respite Training; Developmentally Disabled Drinker; Pregnancy, Respect Education and Parenting University; Moms / Tots Therapeutic Recreational Program, Community-Integrated Living Arrangements, Supportive Living Service and In Home Support for Children. The diversity of programming reflects the unique circumstances of persons who are developmentally disabled.