New Directions for Living, formerly known as the "Semi-Independent Living Program," was founded on July 1, 1983.  At that time it was a next step for young women ages 18-21 who were previous residents of St. John’s Girls Home in Painesville which was located near the old Harvey High School.
During that same year we provided affordable housing to the young women in two apartments we had located in one property.  In 1986, we expanded services to include pregnant women and in 1988 to women with children. In 1993 we started a joint venture with St. Gabriel’s Church to provide housing for the homeless at their former rectory and in 1994 we were able to purchase two additional homes in Painesville and 1996 a duplex.  We accepted our first single father to the program in 1997 and in 1999 opened the door to intact families with married parents. We purchased another house in January 2000 and at that time changed our name to New Directions for Living to reflect the agency’s goal of changing the “direction“ of the path the residents’ lives were taking.  In 2012, we obtained a seven suite apartment building.

 

​Today we have 17 units of housing available for both families and individuals and provide weekly case management services in support of our clients to achieve the goal of self-sufficiency.

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In 2017 NDFL began the process of merging with another local non-profit, Western Reserve Community Development Corporation.  On January 1, 2018, the process was completed and now the New Directions for Living Program operates as a program of Western Reserve Community Development Corporation. The two boards merged into one, and the mission continues with success.  The NDFL program looks forward to many more years of success and growth with WRCDC.

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