Belonging, Independence, and Purpose for Those with Developmental Disabilities.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness month and Tree of Life’s commitment to the disabilities community has been part of our mission since we began.  We work through a number of avenues to provide services and support to those with special needs, and the motto of “Meet us. Know us. Involve us.” is something we have been living out since we began our Still Waters Ministry about a decade ago in Loudoun County.

Belonging Matters.

Still Waters began as a respite program for families – a safe place for their child with special needs to spend an evening with new friends a couple times a month and allow parents to have some free time to run errands, have dinner, etc. It has grown to be a robust social program with outings, sports, dances, and more. In 2025 we hosted 192 FREE events, blessing hundreds in our community.

Our programs are fun and active and help foster community and friendship – and that makes a difference.  Research shows that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience significantly higher rates of depression – in some studies, more than half report diagnosis – and often experience mental distress more generally.  But encouragingly, those that receive greater social support and feel part of friendships and communities, experience lower levels of depression and anxiety and individuals that feel valued as part of a community show better psychological well-being overall.

Supporting Independence.

Opportunities for independence, whether it be social outings, work, or independent housing, are limited for those with developmental disabilities.  Only about 39% of those with cognitive disabilities are employed and national data shows that only about one in four adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live in their own home or apartment.

Tree of Life continues to make strides in providing employment and housing for this community.  Over the last few years, we’ve been able to provide two independent living units that are home to four individuals with disabilities.  With the help of mentors, they are able to live their lives with freedom and dignity, getting the support they need while maximizing their independence.  For many families, independent housing is not just about a new address, it’s about peace of mind for aging parents and dignity for their adult children.

With SimplyBe Coffee, we expanded our support beyond social events as we saw those in our program struggle to find meaningful work.  SimplyBe is a coffee shop with a purpose, providing work opportunities for individuals with special needs.  Each week, employees and volunteers gain valuable work experience, job skills, and confidence in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We also work with local high school work transition students (CAST) that help them get ready for life after high school.

In 2025, we were able to provide this valuable experience to 43 individuals.  In addition, to our work opportunities at SimplyBe, we have a ministry called Work Heartily that helps individuals find jobs in the wider community as well.  Last year, 22 individuals with disabilities were placed in either employment or volunteer opportunities across Loudoun County.

Finding Purpose.

Work and meaningful relationships create purpose, especially for those who may feel overlooked or undervalued by the wider community.

At SimplyBe and Tree of Life, we see every day how inclusion and opportunity increase self-esteem, resilience, and life satisfaction. A job isn’t just a paycheck. A dance isn’t just an event. An apartment isn’t just housing.

They are declarations:

You belong.
You are capable.
You matter.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month reminds us that this community is not defined by limitations — but by gifts, strengths, and potential. At Tree of Life, this is about more than just a month of recognition, it’s about building lasting change.

Because they are here all year — and so are we.

 Want to Get Involved?

• Volunteer with our Still Waters Ministry and build real friendships!
• Visit SimplyBe Coffee – every purchase supports our mission!
• Hire inclusively – let us know if your business is open to interviewing individuals with disabilities.
• Share this story and help spread awareness.

 

Together we can create a community where everyone belongs!

 

If you have questions or would like to learn more, email us at info@tolministries.org.