Profile: Human Development Center Inc

 About Us

A State Designated Behavior Intensive Facility Dedicated to Promoting Independence in the Lives of Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Severe Behavioral Disorders.

The Human Development Center is a private, not-for-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities and/or behavioral problems. Founded in 1978, the Center is a State Designated Behavior Intensive Facility and one of the most respected organizations serving persons with developmental disabilities and intense behavior problems in Florida.

 Our goal at HDC is to provide the highest quality education and rehabilitative services, while promoting self sufficiency and independence. We assist our clients in obtaining appropriate employment and living situations within the community, as well as teaching them basic life skills such as banking, shopping, cooking, etc.

 Through our Adult Day Training (ADT) program HDC provides clients with supported employment services, where a job coach assists clients in obtaining employment within the community or at HDC. Through these activities the clients learn appropriate work behaviors, work ethics, problem solving skills, and employee-supervisor relationships.  Most importantly, clients acquire valuable marketable job skills that will assist them in  obtaining community-based employment

 HDC offers training in horticulture, retail sales, work services and lawn care. Each client receives training that ensures his/her understanding of acceptable social and interpersonal interactions. The instruction consists of positive reinforcement, contingency management, peer group counseling ,and token economy systems. Their progression through this training enables them to develop a positive self-concept and enriches their cognitive abilities, together allowing them to achieve their highest level of personal success.

 Enrollment into HDC is completely voluntary, except when referred by the judicial system. HDC does not discriminate against any student, employee, or Board member in terms or race, religion, age, or relevant disability.

The Center works with individuals with developmental disabilities with a history of behavioral disorders.  Experience with behavioral concepts would be helpful.   We have several direct care positions open in our group homes as well as companion services

 Other Facts:

WHAT:  HDC is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) charity established in 1978 with a mission to promote independence in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities, specifically those who have displayed behavioral disorders and/or mental illness.

SIZE:   HDC serves an average of fifty-five individuals in its residency programs, which range from closely supervised group homes to supported independent living within the community.

GOAL:   To provide the highest quality education and rehabilitative services, while promoting self-sufficiency and independence.

HOW:   Behavior management techniques teach that socially acceptable actions produce privileges and benefits.  As clients advance in the program, they are given sheltered work in one of HDC's vocational training programs.  Current programs include horticulture, lawn maintenance, silkscreen, and/or retailing in HDC's Thrift Shop.

SUCCESS:  Clients ascend through levels of personal independence as they learn valuable life skills and self-discipline. Certain clients are able to live in apartments within the community with regular and 24-hour on-call support from HDC counselors.

JOBS:  As clients progress, some are able to work at full or part-time jobs in the community with the support of HDC

FUNDING:  Current annual operating budget is approximately $2,000,000, primarily from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (Formerly Department of Children & Families).  Funding for capital and growth needs are solicited from the public and charitable foundations/corporations.

BENEFITS:   Over time most HDC clients become independent, responsible, tax-paying citizens who, for the first time in their lives, provide varying degrees of their own support and well being.