About Us...
Our History
Listen began in 1983 as a children’s Level 4i group home, Listen House, in Felton, CA, alongside Listen School, a private, nonprofit, special education school in Santa Cruz. Soon after, we opened Chrysalis Preschool, an early-start program focused on teaching very young children with autism.Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, we supported hundreds of children in Santa Cruz County through residential care, school programs, and classroom consultation. By the late 1990s, it became clear that the greatest challenge facing families was securing safe, supportive housing as children transitioned into adulthood. In response, we created our Supported Living Services (SLS) program, a model that continues today.
What We Do
Our highly trained staff create warm, therapeutic, and empowering environments where people can thrive. We focus on helping each individual:
•Build skills for greater independence
•Explore meaningful activities in the community
•Access behavioral and therapeutic supports based on positive reinforcement
•Enjoy recreational and wellness opportunities, including healthy nutrition and lifestyle practices
Listen Foundation’s SLS program is approved by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and funded by the San Andreas Regional Center. Both DDS and the Regional Center conduct annual unannounced visits to ensure compliance with state health and safety regulations, quality assurance, and fiscal responsibility. Listen Foundation is proud to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our vision has always been one of lifelong partnership supporting adults with developmental disabilities to live full, independent, and connected lives in the community they call home.
Our Mission & Philosophy
The mission of our Supported Living Services program is to foster independence while ensuring health and safety. True to our name, Listen Foundation, we believe the best services begin by listening. Listening to the voices, choices, and goals of each individual we serve. Our program supports people in their own homes, in the communities where they grew up, and often near their families. We are committed to being there as long as clients want our support, building lifelong relationships rooted in trust and respect. Many of the people we serve today first joined us at Listen House more than 40 years ago, and we are honored to walk alongside them still.
